Every day 3.3 billion litres of water is lost in the UK through leaking pipes. With DEFRA calling an emergency water summit this week, one company say there needs to be a change in the way our water networks are managed. Adam Kingdon CEO of technology specialist i2O Water said: “This drought should be a […]

Parts of Britain may face hosepipe bans this summer as the UK faces a second consecutive dry winter in which rain levels have dropped significantly. The Environment Secretary held an emergency meeting today where she brought together water companies, the Environment Agency, Natural England, British Waterways, the Met Office, environmental groups and farming groups to […]

The UK economy could save a staggering £23 billion if we become more efficient with our use of water and energy, according to Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman. Facing the Environmental Audit Committee at the House of Commons today Spelman said a low carbon economy was a must, along with a more efficient use of resources […]

A study released today by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has called for action in the fight against climate change. DEFRA’s Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) lists the top 100 challenges to the UK and our economy as a result of changing climate and recommends instant action. Speaking at the launch of […]

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has called for evidence from interested parties on the issues raised in the recent Water White Paper. The committee, headed up by Conservative MP Anne McIntosh, wants to know whether the White Paper sets out the right principles for customers and the water and sewerage industry for taking […]

The white paper, Water for Life, published this morning lays out plans to deregulate water markets, help customers negotiate better services and prices from suppliers, open up the sector for new entrants in the water market and encourage local organisations to get more involved in improving the water quality of rivers. Defra also wants water […]

The Environment Agency has issued a drought permit to help Anglian Water save supplies during the winter. The permit will allow Anglian water services to take a certain amount of Water from the River Nene if they ensure to reduce water demand including starting campaigns and reducing leakage. The area has struggled with low rainfall […]

Recycled wastewater will help irrigate the London 2012 Olympic Park, saving good quality drinking water. The Secretary of State for the Environment opened a £7m facility, the biggest ‘black water’ treatment works in Britain. Caroline Spelman said: “Projects like this, which safely recycle water and prevent the need for fresh water to be used where […]

The government is facing legal action over allegedly failing to protect people from air pollution. Environmental lawyers at ClientEarth have today filed a judicial review against the Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman, challenging Defra’s “refusal” to set out plans to bring emissions under the legal limit. Lawyers at the registered charity, which is bankrolled by grants […]

The Renewable Energy Association has hailed yesterday’s government report The Future of Food and Farming as tackling “a debate that policymakers have been avoiding for too long”. The report argues for fundamental change to the global food system and beyond if a rapidly expanding global population is to be fed over the next 40 years. […]