The comments made by Emma Hardy, the Water Minister, on 29 July 2026.
Our climate is changing, droughts are becoming increasingly common, and we need to be prepared for this new normal.
We’re delivering long-term change in the water industry and driving record investments in infrastructure, including nine new reservoirs.
We expect water companies to follow their drought plans, to go further and faster to reduce leaks, and to ensure supplies are not disrupted even in the driest of weather.