The race to stop England running out of water
England faces a growing water security crisis driven by climate change, frequent heatwaves, and rising demand. Experts warn that without intervention, the country could face a significant daily water shortfall by 2055.
Why it matters
Water scarcity threatens agricultural stability and public infrastructure, necessitating long-term policy and behavioral changes.
The race to stop England running out of water
By Esme Stallard Climate and Science senior journalist By Miho Tanaka Climate and Science senior journalist One evening in early August, farmer Daniel Sizer's phone buzzed with a message.
It was from his local water board and it read: "River levels are low but have recovered enough to allow one night of irrigation tonight."
Like much of the lower half of England, Daniel's fourth-generation farm had seen barely any rain in nearly three months.
He shows us what is left of the peas and wheat crop at his 300-hectare site in Suffolk.
"There's no water in the river so half my crop is completely and utterly ruined."
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