Northumbrian Water does not anticipate any supply issues, as it was well-prepared for the dry weather experienced by the UK over the last few months, the company’s chief executive has assured.
During an interview with Utility Week, Heidi Mottram said Northumbrian has been experiencing additional demand because of the heatwave but remains in a secure position in terms of supply.
She said the company’s stable position is not a coincidence. “We think long and hard about our resilience… we knew this was coming because, generally, you can see the weather coming, so we’ve planned for it.”
June was the driest since 1925. Two water companies have been caught out by the weather so far – Northern Ireland Water, which has now lifted its restrictions, and United Utilities, which was forced to apply for drought permits for the Lake District.
However, Mottram is not anticipating any restrictions in any of the areas in which it operates – the north east of England and parts of Essex and Suffolk. “Up here we have a lot of water as you know anyway, but in Essex we’re resilient.
“However, that’s not by accident. It’s because of a lot of thinking over a lot of time, and some highly skilled and experienced operational teams.”
During a meeting of the National Drought Group on Monday 23 July, the Environment Agency (EA) said it expects the water sector to “step up efforts” to manage supplies and protect the “precious resource”.
EA chief executive James Bevan said at the meeting: “As we prepare for drought in the North West and dry weather continues around the country, we have stepped up our response to minimise wastage and tackle the impacts of low river flows on wildlife.
“We all have a part to play to protect this precious resource. I expect water companies to step up their efforts to ensure supplies are well-managed and people at home should use water wisely.”
Northumbrian Water will invest £2 million in its waterways as part of its “bold plans” for sustainability and improving the environment over the next few years.
The improving the water environment scheme, which launched at the company’s innovation festival earlier this month, will provide financial and staff support to contribute to improvements to rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, wetlands, beaches and coastlines.
The water company has also revealed four ambitious goals featured in a five-year plan to improve the environment. By 2025 Northumbrian aims to be a leader in the sustainable use of natural resources through achieving zero avoidable waste and to be carbon neutral by 2027.
It also promises to have zero pollutions because of its operations and have the best beaches and rivers in the country.