Climate change and the future of the water environment

Following a year when many of the water industry's achievements were drowned under critical headlines about drought order applications, high profile hosepipe bans and consumer concern over leakage rates, the industry needs to renew its efforts to set the agenda for a more sustainable water environment, writes Catherine Iredale. It is clear that global political pressure and action is now focused on addressing both the causes and effects of global climate change. The importance of this issue for the water and wastewater industry cannot be overstated.

The industry is on the front line and has some key challenges to address and an important role to play in helping society as a whole meet its obligations. Climate change is already affecting the water industry throughout its value chain from availability of resources and infrastructure through operations and demand to finances.

Pamela Taylor, chief executive of Water UK, a representative body for the licensed water and wastewater operators in the UK, suggested: "Water and wastewater services will become unsustainable if we do not take full account of climate change effects in our planning and investment."