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Water: Shortages

Asked by Lee AndersonReform UKDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 21738

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of water shortages on (a) the general population and (b) businesses.

Answered by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

The threat of climate change is driving more frequent hot and dry summers, increasing the UK’s risk of drought with far-reaching impacts on both water supply for our use and on the natural environment. Government recognises the challenges drought brings and understands a secure water supply is critical to our environment, economy, health, and livelihoods.

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