Environment Agency chief executive Philip Duffy gave a keynote speech at the Institution of Civil Engineers on 17 June 2026, reviewing the 1976 drought and outlining steps to strengthen water resilience. Duffy described the 1976 summer as the driest year since World War II, with record heat and water shortages that prompted the appointment of a Minister for Drought and widespread restrictions. He noted policy shifts including the 1973 Water Act, the creation of a National Drought Group, and statutory drought and water‑resource plans for all water companies. Infrastructure developments such as Kielder, Rutland and the Queen Mother reservoirs were highlighted, and he stressed the need for new reservoirs, desalination, and water‑efficiency targets of 110 litres per person per day by 2050. Drought planning now focuses on integrated catchment management and climate‑adapted water use.
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