The threat of water scarcity
In October 2021 Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency made clear that water scarcity is an existential threat and we must all adapt to avoid the “Jaws of Death”.
Just a couple of weeks ago Countryfile reported on the issue, featuring Sir James Bevan and Toby Willison, our Director for Environment and Corporate Affairs discussing work included in our Water Resource Management Plan to ensure we have the supplies our customers need.
And yet, developers are proposing tens of thousands of new homes across our region in the next decade. How can that be?
A strategy for growth – bridging the gap
My name is Sandra Norval and I lead the Future Growth Team. We assess the developments being identified by Local Planning Authorities as part of their Local Plans and support planning applications as they begin to connect to our assets. I’m really excited to have developed our inaugural Future Growth Strategy recognising the importance of the work we do in meeting a range of ‘wicked’ challenges – water scarcity, nutrients, surface water management and biodiversity are all front of mind for land promoters and developers along with the carbon net zero targets.
I was drawn to the role as I could see that my experience in sustainability, biodiversity and business strategy would bring value and I have been able to work with people across the organisation to understand our transformational programmes such as our Target 100 initiative to tackle water efficiency and Catchment First to drive improvements in the environment which both provides our water and receives our treated wastewater.
On 1 June, I’m excited to be speaking at the Institute of Water South East’s mini conference for World Environment Day 2022 with the theme of #OnlyOneEarth. I’ll be talking about water neutrality, sustainable development and Natural England’s Position Statement requiring developers to demonstrate their plans will have no impact on water demand in Sussex North.
Developing sustainably
We have to be realistic that homes are needed for people to lead happy and healthy lives but the way we developed in the past is no longer viable in a world that has changed. Climate change and biodiversity loss are impacting on our water resources, reducing groundwater levels, changing how water moves through the natural water cycle and changing the balance of the ecosystems that we depend on.
We also need to recognise that local economies rely on the work provided by development throughout the supply chain from the earliest stages of design to final delivery and anyone with a growing family will want to see homes for their future. Not developing at all is not the answer.
Tackling the challenges together
We have to work together. Our Sustainable Development Policy sets what we expect from developers and the Future Growth Strategy will enable us to ensure our networks provide the services needed to serve homes in a resilient water future.
Sandra Norval
Future Growth Lead