Rachel Salvidge

Fri 20 Jun 2025 08.00 EDT

Exclusive: Investigation finds 76% rise in water taken from rivers and lakes for industrial or public consumption in two decades

The amount of water being taken from England’s rivers and lakes has reached record levels, raising serious concerns for people and wildlife. A joint investigation by Watershed Investigations and the Guardian found that abstraction for industrial and public supply has increased by 76% in two decades. River abstraction now accounts for over 60% of all water taken from the environment, compared with under 40% at the turn of the century.

Abstraction is licensed by the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales, and is required for farming, industry and public supply. While some water use is returned quickly, campaigners stress that even “non-consumptive” use often results in water loss and pollution. Groundwater abstraction has also risen sharply, while tidal use has declined significantly.

Environmental groups warn that rivers are being depleted and polluted. “We are putting extra demands on rivers when they are running dry. When it rains, we often return the water polluted,” said Nick Measham, chief executive of WildFish. On the River Itchen, salmon returns have collapsed, with some of the lowest numbers ever recorded. Experts warn that continued droughts could push endangered species to the brink.

The Environment Agency has cautioned that without intervention, public demand will require an additional 5 billion litres of water a day by 2055. Companies are expected to address shortages initially through demand reduction and leak repairs, as about 19% of supplied water is lost through pipes. Industry sources blame a lack of investment in reservoirs and storage infrastructure, noting that none have been built in over 30 years.

The water sector acknowledges the urgency. Water UK said: “The threat to our water security is a looming challenge. Ten new reservoirs and seven recycling schemes have been approved to ease pressure on rivers.”

The government this week announced its national framework for water resources, pledging £104bn in private investment for nine reservoirs, new pipes and reforms to the abstraction system. An Environment Agency spokesperson confirmed new licensing powers will target high-risk abstractions and ensure compliance, while Defra stressed that population growth, aging infrastructure and climate change demand a “major water overhaul.”