Risk news

Environment Agency (EA) officials have warned of future threats to the water supply in England and Wales.

While climate change will increase the risk of flooding and lead to an rise in the number of heavy downpours, it could also reduce the amount of water in rivers across the two countries by as much as 15 per cent.

During the summer months, it may also cause natural river flow to fall by up to 80 per cent, the body claimed.

Consequently, it said actions need to be put in place to cut the amount of water used in homes and businesses in a bid to reduce carbon emissions.

These steps could include the introduction of an extended water efficiency labelling system for appliances.

"We need a joined-up approach to managing water supplies to prevent a water crisis in the future," said the EA's head of water Ian Barker.

The body's two new environmental strategies, governing England and Wales only, have been created to replace the existing 2001 Water Resources for the Future initiative.

If you have acquired environmental responsibilities for your company recently and want to be sure you are meeting your legal requirements, then our Getting Started in the Environment course provides a useful introduction.