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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Rachel Salvidge

Water shortages could derail UK’s net zero plans, study finds

An aerial photograph shows the partially revealed bed of a reservoir with a road through the middle
The Environment Agency has warned of a potential widespread UK drought next year. Photograph: Adam Vaughan/EPA

Tensions are growing between the government, the water sector and its regulators over the management of England’s water supplies, as the Environment Agency warns of a potential widespread drought next year.

Research commissioned by a water retailer has found water scarcity could hamper the UK’s ability to reach its net zero targets, and that industrial growth could push some areas of the country into water shortages.

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