Thames Water chief executive Steve Robertson has welcomed today’s report by the National Infrastructure Commission which is warning the Government that England faces taps running dry without urgent infrastructure improvements.

The water company chief said Thames welcomed the flagship report and would take “full account of its recommendations” as it revises its draft Water Resources Management Plan, after the consultation period closes this weekend.

Steve Robertson commented:

“We agree that more needs to be done to protect customers from the real long-term risk of severe drought. In the worst case scenario highlighted by the report, restrictions on water use in London alone could cost the economy more than £300 million a day.

“Our long-term proposal for a major new reservoir would allow the transfer of surplus winter rainfall from the wetter west of our region to the drier east, and so benefit customers of several companies in London and the South East.

“Our highest and immediate priority is to make the most effective use of the water we already have. This includes being even more ambitious in our plans to cut leakage – in line with the Commission’s call for a 50% reduction by 2050 – and fitting more smart meters to help customers use less water and provide the information we need to pinpoint leaks.”

The report Preparing for a drier future: England’s water infrastructure needs published today by the National Infrastructure Commission says England’s homes and businesses could face having their water supplies cut off in times of severe drought, if the water industry “does not improve infrastructure and water efficiency”.

Thames Water develops a Water Resource Management Plan every five years which sets out how the company will provide a secure and sustainable supply of water for its customers now and in the future, and support economic growth.

Visit www.thameswater.co.uk/yourwaterfuture to comment on the company’s plans covering the next 80 years, from 2020 to 2100.