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This report, produced in collaboration with independent environmental partners, demonstrates how we’re meeting the challenge of adapting to climate change. It represents the fourth round of climate adaptation reporting. We published our last report in 2021.
“By 2050 summer rainfall could reduce by as much as 24% and winter rainfall increase by as much as 16%, changes that will not only impact the natural environment but our wellbeing and the economy. too”*
*The government’s Climate Change Committee’s (CCC’s) third UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA3) (2021).
Since 1950, average temperatures have risen by around 1°C and are projected to increase by 2 to 4°C by 2100. According to the latest Met Office UK Climate Projections (UKCP18) the South East will continue to experience warmer wetter winters and hotter drier summers, with areas like the Isle of Wight receiving more rainfall, while parts of the Kent coast could be significantly drier in summer.
Water companies are on the frontline when dealing with the impacts of this climate emergency. We’re already seeing more severe and more frequent weather extremes. Since 2020, we’ve been impacted by 33 named storms, which have caused disruption to our customers’ water supply and a number of pollution events.
These extremes also effect the natural resources that we rely on, which is why we’re already adapting our business to make sure that we’re able to continue to provide the services our customers depend on every day.
This report looks at the most significant risks and what actions we can take to reduce them. These include risks to customer and public water supply, risk of flooding and rising sea levels, environmental pollution and also risks impacting other essential service, such as electricity supplies.
Higher temperatures mean an increased risk of equipment overheating, leading to power failures. We’ve developed a Heat Stress and Power Resilience plan, which includes investment in standby generators, cooling systems and air conditioning units across our region, with a particular focus in parts of Kent where temperatures tend to be higher in summer.
We've improved our Drought Plan and are now better prepared for drought scenarios. Our Catchment First initiative is also investigating sustainable abstraction (water removal from rivers) methods that reduce the impact on the environment. Meanwhile, we're helping our customers to reduce water consumption with the aim of achieving 100 litres per person, per day by 2045.
More rainfall, localised surface and groundwater flooding and high tide surges can overwhelm our treatment sites and pumping stations, causing contamination of water sources and pollution to the environment. Heavy rain can also trigger storm overflows along our coastline. Sewer relining is also a focus at 17 key locations to reduce flooding from groundwater and flood defence and coastal erosion schemes are also planned at three key sites to 2030.
Higher temperatures mean an increased risk of equipment overheating, leading to power failures. We’ve developed a Heat Stress and Power Resilience plan, which includes investment in standby generators, cooling systems and air conditioning units across our region, with a particular focus in parts of Kent where temperatures tend to be higher in summer.
We've improved our Drought Plan and are now better prepared for drought scenarios. Our Catchment First initiative is also investigating sustainable abstraction (water removal from rivers) methods that reduce the impact on the environment. Meanwhile, we're helping our customers to reduce water consumption with the aim of achieving 100 litres per person, per day by 2045.
More rainfall, localised surface and groundwater flooding and high tide surges can overwhelm our treatment sites and pumping stations, causing contamination of water sources and pollution to the environment. Heavy rain can also trigger storm overflows along our coastline. Sewer relining is also a focus at 17 key locations to reduce flooding from groundwater and flood defence and coastal erosion schemes are also planned at three key sites to 2030.
This report has highlighted significant areas that are at risk from the impacts of climate change. It shows that we need to take steps now to address and adapt to these future challenges.
Our overarching purpose as an organisation is to deliver water for life to enhance the health and wellbeing of our communities, protect and improve the environment and sustain the economy. This will fulfil our vision of a resilient future for our customers in the South East, and a successfully implemented climate adaptation strategy will help us to achieve this.
Climate change is now part of our long-term plans. We’re improving the continuity of power supplies and forging strong partnerships with our customers, stakeholders, and other organisations to deliver shared outcomes that are beneficial to our communities and the environment.
