Water and population rise
The Guardian reported today online that Britain's population could almost double to 108 million within 75 years. The data from the Office for National Statistics said that, based on high estimates of growth in immigration, fertility and longevity, the current population of 60.5 million could rise to 75 million by 2031 and 108.7 million by 2081.
However, the ONS says its most likely projection is that Britain's population will reach 71 million within 25 years, 78 million within 50 years and 85 million by 2081. The population rise is primarily in England, most predictions suggest a virtually stationary population in Scotland, Wales and N Ireland.
Where will the resources come from? The energy industry and the drinking water supply accounts for 71% of the water currently abstracted (agriculture in the UK accounts for between 1 and 3% depending on the research data). The demand will certainly increase as the population rises anywhere between 40 and 80%. There will also obviously be an increased need for sewerage and waste water treatment. If we keep taking water out of the environment how will that affect our rivers, lakes and streams. Are we happy to see a scenario in 2081 when we have dry river and lake beds in the UK?
Water availability in England and Wales is around 1334 m3 per person per year, but the rain doesn't always fall where the people live. Water availability in the Thames Valley region is around 266 m3 per person per year which is 1/3 of the water available per person in Egypt and in the same magnitude as the water available per person in Israel.
We need to address this issue of population growth and available resources in terms of water strategy and planning, otherwise we will face a significant crisis in the future. Many States in the US have already, or are now, developing state water plans to address the issues of water management and water policy. Whilst we in the UK can, and are, importing more food to feed a rising population, importing water to meet our needs is just not viable.
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