With the capital officially in drought after two years of below-average rainfall, the London Assembly will today examine what is being done in the short and longer term to ease pressure on limited water supplies.

As part of its inquiry into how London’s current drought and future water needs can best be managed, the Assembly’s Health and Environment Committee Members will question water companies and other relevant organisations about how water is currently managed in the capital. It will also get an update on recent reports that the hosepipe ban could be lifted before the autumn.

The background briefing paper for the meeting makes the point that while the final resort in case of severe water shortage can be rota cuts or standpipes, Thames Water’s policy is never to impose standpipes or rota cuts; it expects to be able to rely on its desalination plant at Beckton.

Key invited attendees at the meeting include:

• Richard Aylard, External Affairs and Sustainability Director, Thames Water
• Mike Pocock, Physical Asset Strategy Manager at Veolia Water Central
• Andrew Wescott, Policy Manager, Institution of Civil Engineers
• Alex Nickson, Policy and Programmes Manager, Climate Change Adaptation and Water, GLA

Among the questions the Committee will be asking them are how the current situation is being addressed, options for balancing supply and demand in the future; and ongoing work to tackle leaking pipes. Other issues which may also be explored include drainage and sewerage, and the management of flood risk.

 The meeting will take place this afternoon from 3.30pm in the Chamber at City Hall - members of the public are invited to attend.  The meeting can also be viewed via webcast.