UK Water Strategy - is there one?

Die of thirst or drown in sewage - are these the UK's options?

The situation is complex but does that mean that we can afford to ignore it?

Climate change is likely to cause:
* rising sea levels, due to the melting of the
Polar ice caps
* Climatic extremes; more frequent severe storms
(hence flooding),as well as hotter, dryer
drought-ridden summers with insufficient water for domestic and possibly, commercial and
agricultural use.

Floods

We have already seen devastating floods in the South West and in flood plains around the country; Shrewsbury, York and Cumbria spring to mind. Our largely Victorian sewage system and storm drains cannot cope now and will certainly not be able in the future. Torrential downpours regularly cause sewage to overflow into rivers and other water sources. The demands of the European Water Framework Directive, to manage our river basins, have only begun to be considered.

Housing

At the same time, the Barker Report proposes an increase of 400000 domestic homes to meet burgeoning demand in the South east. BUT….the Thames Gateway solution will be built mainly on floodplains in areas where we already know there are insufficient water resources to meet the increased demand. The East of England Regional Assembly recently slammed government proposals for the 500000 new homes planned in its area.

The Problem

Water policy – if it exists - seems to be in danger of mirroring the UK’s slow start in recognising the need for an energy strategy. We understand that the political issues are both difficult and longterm – lending themselves to delay in government consideration and decision but ……
How are we going to secure sustainable supplies and ensure sufficient waste water capacity for future generations?

USG contribution to the debate - a call to action

In an attempt to accelerate this debate, we have asked the illustrious trio of;
*Jim Forbes ( lately Chairman of Thames Water and CEO Scottish & Southern Energy)
*Pamela Taylor (Chief Executive Water UK)
*David King (Director of Water Management, Environment Agency)
to comment on these issues.
Specifically we have asked them to propose an action plan that will ensure sustainable supplies and public health for the twenty first century

Venue and Registration

The debate is scheduled for 15 May 2007 at

Simmons & Simmons
CityPoint
One Ropemaker Street
London EC2Y9SS

Registration from 5.30pm for a 6.30pm start.

Drinks and canapes afterwards.

Payment of £25 should be sent by cheque made payable to Utility Strategy Group at PO Box 56118, London E17 0BL, or made on the door.

Places are limited so register now!

Click here to register for this debate

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