Water shortages: This is how it could affect your household according to expert

You may have already noticed, but if you haven’t, it’s hot and has been for the last few months. In fact, it has been the driest 8-month period since 1976 according to Sky News. As a result, the UK is likely heading towards a drought. This could lead to a number of things, the most likely being a hosepipe ban. But one expert believes there is another solution, but the people probably won’t like it.

A potential water shortage

As reported by Sky News, Sir John Armitt, chair of government advisory group the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), said that to avoid a shortage of water and people queuing for emergency water supplies, water bills should increase.

He warned:

The country will face collecting [water] in bottles or large canisters from emergency supplies.

But according to Sir Armitt, there is a reason why the shortage could happen, but also a ‘simple’ solution.

20% wasted water and price increase

Sir Armitt explained to Sky News that to avoid a shortage of water, companies need to do something about the 20% of the water that is wasted through leaks, which comes to around 3 billion litres a day.

First, Sir Armitt suggested that water companies should cut households' water supply from 125 litres a day to 110 litres a day.

According to Sir Armitt, an increase in water bills is inevitable:

Bill increases are almost inevitable in order to make sure that we have that water security in the future.

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