Plans to reform the UK water sector have big implications for farmers and must take account of agriculture, say farm leaders.
The warning follows 88 recommendations by the Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe – including a new integrated regulator for water and nine new regional water authorities to deliver on local priorities. Key recommendations include a national water strategy setting out a renewed, long-term vision for the water environment – balancing the needs of businesses, private consumers and the environment.
The government has already accepted one key recommendation – the abolition of regulator Ofwat and the establishment of a new regulator combining the water-related functions of Ofwat, Natural England and the Environment Agency.
NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos said the union would continue to examine in detail all the recommendations within the Cunliffe report and the potential impact on its 45,000 farmer and grower members.
Represented
On the recommendation for new, regional water authorities, Ms Hallos said: “It’s vital that, if the government adopts this approach, agriculture is represented on these groups in order to deliver on that goal.”
The NFU says the report clearly highlights the huge pressure on water in the UK – including water resources, flooding and water quality. The union says this requires a comprehensive water management strategy.
“Ultimately, we need a joined-up approach,” said Ms Hallows.
This would encourage investment in the country’s water infrastructure, allow farmers to collaborate better with government, local authorities and water companies – and prioritise UK food security as national security.
The Country Land and Business Association said agricultural water needs would become explicitly considered alongside other users if the National Water Strategy recommendation is implemented.
Abstraction
“Currently, legislation prevents water for agriculture having higher priority during droughts, and decisions about who gets abstraction are not as fair and transparent as they could be,” said the CLA.
Lincolnshire farmer Robert Caudwell, who chairs the Association of Drainage Authorities, said the report’s recommendations created an opportunity to plan for water resources in a holistic way. Internal Drainage Boards, which manage water levels for the agriculture and the environment needs, could play an important role – supporting water companies, farmers and other water users, said Mr Caudwell.
Huge shortfall in England’s water supply
England’s public water supply could fall short by 5 billion litres a day by 2055 without urgent action, says the Environment Agency.
Climate change, population growth and environmental pressures mean a further one billion litres a day will be needed to generate energy, grow food and power emerging technologies. The predicted shortfall is equivalent to a third of England’s current daily water use. The forecast is accompanied actions the agency says is required by water companies, regulators, businesses and the public to best manage water usage.
Some 60% of the deficit is to be addressed by water companies managing demand and dramatically reducing leaks. The remaining 40% will come from boosting supply, including new reservoirs and water transfer schemes.
Infrastructure
The government says it has secured £104bn in private sector spending in water company infrastructure over the next five years, including £8bn committed to boost water supply and manage demand.
Environment Agency chairman Alan Lovell said: “The nation’s water resources are under huge and steadily increasing pressure. This deficit threatens not only the water from your tap but also economic growth and food production. Taking water unsustainably from the environment will have a disastrous impact on our rivers and wildlife.”
“We need to tackle these challenges head-on and strengthen work on co-ordinated action to preserve this precious resource and our current way of life.”