Water companies meet with environment secretary

Water companies meet with environment secretary

Chief executives of water companies have met with the environment secretary, George Eustice and environment minister Steve Double to discuss how they plan to protect water supplies over the summer.

The chief executives explained the steps they are taking to safeguard public water supplies and to mitigate the effects of the driest summer in over 50 years.

The environment secretary has asked water companies to act responsibly to safeguard public water supplies and reduce leakage and fix leaking pipes as quickly as possible.

Eustice said: “Today I met the chief executives of water companies to discuss the measures they are taking to protect water supplies in what is the driest summer in over 50 years.

“All water companies have reassured me that water supplies remain resilient across the country. Each company has a pre-agreed drought plan which they are following, and I have urged them to take any precautionary steps needed to protect essential supplies as we go into a likely very dry autumn.

“We are better prepared than ever before for periods of dry weather with a system that is working well to manage water usage, protect the environment and maintain water supplies for the public and critical sectors. We will continue to actively monitor the situation, working alongside partners including the Environment Agency.”