Environment Secretary meets with water company chief executives during driest summer in over 50 years

The Environment Secretary met with water companies to discuss the measures they are taking to protect water supplies in the driest summer in over 50 years.

The Environment Secretary, George Eustice and Environment Minister, Steve Double met with the chief executives of water companies last week to discuss the ongoing response to the prolonged dry weather.

Ministers heard from chief executives about how their companies are taking necessary steps to safeguard public water supplies and mitigate the effects of this exceptionally dry period.

Environment Secretary George Eustice said:

“Today I met the chief executives of water companies to discuss the measures they are taking to protect water supplies in what is the driest summer in over 50 years.

“All water companies have reassured me that water supplies remain resilient across the country. Each company has a pre-agreed drought plan which they are following, and I have urged them to take any precautionary steps needed to protect essential supplies as we go into a likely very dry autumn.

“We are better prepared than ever before for periods of dry weather with a system that is working well to manage water usage, protect the environment and maintain water supplies for the public and critical sectors. We will continue to actively monitor the situation, working alongside partners including the Environment Agency.”

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