UK ministers explore raising price of water for some users amid shortages
Summary
UK ministers are considering raising the price of water for some users because of serious water shortages caused by droughts and climate change. Officials say the current system lets large businesses pay too little for the water they use, and they want to change this to better manage the limited supply.Key Facts
- Nearly three-quarters of England and all of Wales are in drought, affecting 27 million people with water restrictions.
- By 2055, England might face a shortage of 5 billion litres of water each day if changes are not made.
- Big businesses, like oil refineries and paper mills, pay less the more water they use, unlike households who face rising water bills.
- The government is reviewing how water licenses are priced and how water's value is calculated.
- Datacentres are using millions of litres of drinking water daily, and their usage is expected to triple by 2030.
- Water industry representatives say cheap water pricing leads to waste and poor management.
- Environment Agency officials want to ensure water is priced fairly and used where it is most needed.
- There is a call from environmental groups to overhaul water licensing to address drought and protect nature.
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