Photo source: BBC news
The wet summer raises the
vital question. Is this a statistical anomaly and unlikely to be repeated for
another 100 years or is it a sign of things to come?
The question is vital for
the water industry. To date most of the thinking about the impact of climate
change has assumed that the UK will have generally drier summers especially in
the South East. Already massive investment is underway to improve resilience
and increase water supplies. Bristol Water are planning a new reservoir yet the
current one is currently literally overflowing.
IF the impact of climate
change is to move the gulf stream north and this year’s wet summer becomes the
norm that has massive implications. Already the signs are that this year will
see the worst bathing water results for at least 10 years. Major tourist
beaches likely to fail the standard include Bude, Exmouth, Weston –super-Mare
and Blackpool.
With the tougher bathing
water standards being introduced in 2015 and the new requirement to display
visible signs warning the public not to enter the water the potential impact on
some of Britain’s major tourist beaches is disastrous. People will vote with
their feet and go elsewhere. Massive investment will be needed to cope with the
storm water and reduce flooding incidents.
The answer is that no one
knows what is likely to happen to the weather. This is probably the worst
position for the water companies as it means their plans will have to allow for
the two possible extremes. If both dryer summers and wetter summers are realistic
possible outcomes this will require investment to both improve water supplies
and manage floods. The result will be much higher water bills something none
wants.
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