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<p>Despite the dry summer, water companies in England have assured us that essential
water supplies remain resilient across the country. It is their duty to maintain those
supplies. Defra ministers expect water company action in accordance with their pre-agreed
drought plans.</p><p> </p><p>The National Framework for Water Resources, published
in March 2020, sets out the strategic water needs for England to 2050 and beyond.
The Government is requiring water companies to plan to deliver resilience to a one
in 500-year drought, that is not needing to resort to emergency measures, such as
stand pipes and rota cuts.</p><p> </p><p>The Government recognises the need to improve
the resilience of our water supplies and is committed to a twin track approach to
improving water resilience, which is set out in our Strategic Policy Statement to
Ofwat, Written Ministerial Statement on Water Demand and in the 25 Year Environment
Plan. This involves investing in new supply infrastructure and action to reduce water
company leaks and improve water efficiency.</p><p> </p><p>Water companies are using
the £469 million made available by Ofwat in the current Price Review period (2019-2024)
to progress the infrastructure required. In Autumn 2022, water companies will publish
their statutory draft Water Resources Management Plans for consultation, that will
set out how they will improve drought resilience and secure water supplies in the
long term.</p>
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