Gardening businesses now exempt from ‘hosepipe ban’
The seven water suppliers that currently have Temporary Use Bans - hosepipe bans' - in place announced today that landscaping, turf and gardening businesses are being made exempt from the ‘hosepipe ban’ with immediate effect after it was confirmed that record rainfall had reduced the severity of the ongoing water shortage in the South and East of England.
Drought over for Yorkshire, Midlands and the South West
The wettest April on record and continuing rainfall in May have led the Environment Agency to remove the drought status for certain areas.
Global water demand 'could outstrip supply by 40% in 2030'
The warning that global water demand could vastly exceed supply by 2030 is the background to a new report from the International Resource Panel, a group of natural resources experts hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme.
NFU concern over water abstraction licence withdrawal
Government proposals which could allow the withdrawal of water abstraction licences without compensation are “extremely concerning,” the National Farmers Union (NFU) said yesterday (8 May).
Europe set for more rain and drought by 2050
The European Environment Agency is predicting that Europe will be an average 1.5° warmer in the period 2021-2050 and an average 3° warmer in the period 2071 to 2100, compared with temperatures between 1960-1990.
Environment Agency reduces water levels on Somerset moors
The dry weather over the last few days has allowed the Environment Agency to start work on reducing the amount of water currently lying on the Somerset Levels.
Union claims closure of reservoirs responsible for drought
GMB, the union for water workers, has said that the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee must call private water companies, the Environment Agency and Ofwat to account for allowing parts of the UK to run short of water.
Public not getting the message on water issues
Faced with what could end up as the wettest April since records began, media coverage of the current drought, rain and floods in the UK suggests that the public are failing to get the message on water issues.
“Local connectivity is the key”, says Spelman
Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman has reiterated her support for a national water grid as she took questions about drought in the House of Commons on 26 April.
SEPA publish Dalgety Bay decontamination plan
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has published the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) final plan for Dalgety Bay.
News Showcase
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Making storm overflow data make Sense – Metasphere launches dedicated monitoring device
With the UK government demanding a 50% reduction in storm overflow spills by 2029, the era of reactive management is over. Speaking in the House of Commons on 21 July 2025, then environment secretary Steve Reed said, “This Government will cut water companies’ sewage pollution in half by the end of the decade.” -
King’s Award for Enterprise shows ERG moving forward with growth in UK and Asia
ERG, the leading supplier of odour control systems and industrial gas cleaning & thermal systems, has been awarded the coveted King’s Award for Enterprise. -
Welsh Water’s ORAI system shortlisted for three categories at the British Data Awards 2026
Welsh Water’s new artificial intelligence-driven tool, ORAI, has been shortlisted for three categories at the prestigious British Data Awards 2026 – underscoring the company’s commitment to using cutting-edge technology to deliver better outcome for customers. -
Barhale completes two Rapid Action Taskforce Spills projects for Severn Trent
Barhale has completed work on two separate Rapid Action Taskforce Spills projects it is carrying out for Severn Trent.
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Other Latest News
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- Southern Water completes £10.2 million upgrade at Kent treatment works to cut storm overflows
- Severn Trent tenders major £84 million AMP8 contract for digestor roof replacement design & build works
- NI Water seeks supply chain input to develop procurement strategy for wastewater sludge & screenings disposal service
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Scottish Water completes £235m investment in two-way connection between drinking water networks
Hear how Scottish Water has completed its £235 million Ayrshire Glasgow Resilience Project - customers across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire will now benefit from a more secure and resilient water supply. -
United Utilities accelerates investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across Northwest
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest. -
Working for WSP - what if you could build a career as unique as you? With us, you can
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.
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