The UK is due to leave the European Union on 29 March 2019, so with time running out, the government is working with water companies to prepare for all Brexit scenarios, including leaving the EU with no deal.
The UK water industry relies on chemicals imported from the EU. According to Utility Week, the country’s utilities industries news source, water companies are studying customs and port logistics for these chemicals. Water UK, the water trade association, has said that the water industry is assessing any potential impacts of Brexit to ensure the water supply is not affected.
The government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is ensuring contingency plans are in place for all possible Brexit scenarios, working with water companies, chemical suppliers and authorities to maintain services even in case a deal doesn’t happen. Ofwat, the water services regulatory authority, also echoed they are working closely with Defra and companies to ensure the necessary resources and arrangements are in place to meet obligations to customers.
Last November, the environment secretary had to reassure that the country would not have water supply problems due to a shortage of chemicals to treat drinking water, after Brexit doomsday scenarios included that possibility.
