Desalination water pipe on beach Venkatesa Perumal @ shutterstock 2097352462 (2026)

Summary

  • English utilities face a shortfall of around 5bn litres of water a day by 2050, driving a rapid rise in desalination and reuse schemes.

  • Consultants say the treatment technology is rarely the obstacle; siting, water transfer, delivery capacity and funding are all barriers.