Thames Water: Droughts
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Environment Agency (a) plans to issue and (b) has already issued a drought permit to Thames Water.
Answered by Emma Hardy
Water companies have a statutory duty to produce a drought plan outlining actions the company will take to maintain water supplies during dry weather and drought. Such actions include applying for drought permits. Only water companies can apply to the Environment Agency (EA) for a drought permit. Drought permits allow water companies to either:
- Take water from any source specified
- Modify or suspend conditions on an abstraction or impoundment licence held by the water company
Thames Water is following its drought plan, and this contains details of drought permits and when the company may apply to the Environment Agency. The decision to apply for a drought permit, is the responsibility of the water company. As of 1 September 2025, Thames Water has not applied to the EA for a drought permit.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →