England water resources report: expert comment
17 June 2025

The Environment Agency has published its . The report sets out the actions required by water companies, regulators, businesses, and the public to best manage water usage into the future
Dr Jess Neumann, associate professor in hydrology at the 黑料不打烊, said: "The Environment Agency's new National Framework for Water Resources lays out the stark realities of England's growing demands on water while also facing changes to supply, due to our hotter, more extreme climate.
“The reality is, despite Britain's reputation as a rainy nation, water is no longer abundant, plentiful and reliable in the ways our ancestors came to expect. Already this year, large parts of the country are under drought measures as we fight the inevitable impacts of climate change, poor water management, and increasing demand.
“A shortfall of more than 5 billion litres of fresh water a day by 2055 is a terrifying amount. The impacts of that level of mismatch would be felt by everyone. It is important that we face up to this reality and take the necessary steps now to improve the situation. Without significant action, we would be facing a future where taps could run dry, water bills would soar, growing some crops would be more difficult, pushing up prices of domestically grown food. And there would be devastating impacts to our rivers and wildlife, if we continue to extract unsustainable levels of water from these vital and beautiful habitats.
“Action and huge investment is urgently needed. Changing the way we think about water and how we use it is essential. It must no longer be viewed as acceptable to waste fresh water - it is our most valuable and precious resource and this report highlights that without big change, it could run out fast.”
To arrange interviews with Dr Jess Neumann, contact the 黑料不打烊 Press Office on 0118 378 5757 or pressoffice@readingac.uk.