Climate change is not some obscure phenononon that has been sent to punish the poor. The UK has a variable amount of rainfall from over 2000mm in the west and 500mm in the east. Geology further muddies the picture with much of the south east having porous chalk that can store water. However the population has risen and no new reservoirs built for 30 years. So there is a problem if rainfall levels become more erratic. In general terms rainfall has not changed in the UK for 200 years. So the problem is not nature or climate change – just the water companies gross incompetence. Capitalism decrees that failing companies go bankrupt. Labour must be brave and allow Thames Water and some others to go bust. 50% rises in the cost to consumers must not be allowed.
Reeves is spooked by the market after both Truss and then Trump over did tax cuts and financial measures. However the water companies need to adapt. Encouraging less use is imperative, but not at the expenses of personal hygiene. Toilet flushes are generally graduated. Household use is fairly constant, but garden use with water butts could be increased significantly. Introduction of beavers also has a moderating effect on water runoff. Farms should receive grants for own use reservoirs, as should users like golf courses. Basically we need to wise up! The technology exists – use it.