Water scarcity: a growing problem

Water scarcity: a growing problem

May 30, 2025 · 1h 2m

About this episode

The episode discusses the growing problem of water scarcity in the UK and its various implications.

The UK isn't exactly famous for its dry, sunny weather – and yet, water scarcity is an increasingly widespread and urgent problem. Why? And what are the implications – environmental, economic, and cultural? Jen and Matt explore causes and impacts of water scarcity, with Laura Major, Research Fellow and anthropologist and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, and Ellie Willmott, Principal Hydrologist in the Water Resources Unit at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). Links: Dr Laura Major – staff profile Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) SEPA water scarcity levels tool Taps Aff project – share your experiences of water scarcity Drouthy Days: is Scotland prepared for drought? – report from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre Decentralised Water Technologies project Some past Local Zero episodes on related themes: Episode 76: Water, water... everywhere? with Hugo Tagholm Episode 74: How can our gardens protect the environment? with Kate Bradbury You can also find links and transcripts to all past episodes at the Local Zero podcast website .

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