‘We cannot magic up more water’: the supply problems putting housing targets in England at risk

Low water levels on a reservoir in Walthamstow, north-east London. Half the country is in serious drought, raising questions over whether there will be enough water for new homes. Photograph: Matthew Chattle/Future Publishing/Getty Images

The government’s housebuilding agenda is hitting the stark reality of a lack of water and crumbling infrastructure across the east and south-east of England.

Half the country was declared to be in serious drought this week, for the second consecutive year, with the Environment Agency warning of dire consequences for the economy, environment and wildlife.