England could be facing chronic water shortages within 25 years, the Environment Agency warned recently.
The problem stems from a growing population, leaking pipes from water companies, extravagant use of water by households and the growing threat from climate change. These problems are especially acute in the south-east, with low yearly rainfall and where there is actually less clean water per person than Sudan or Egypt.
Bermuda has overcome its own water shortages by catching rainwater from roofs. Some 400 years ago the houses were built with steps on their sloping roofs to slow down the flow of rain. This helps stop the rain overwhelming the roof gutters before passing down into underground storage tanks.
This ingenious arrangement makes the islanders self-sufficient in water, and also means they are acutely aware of how precious their water is and so go to great trouble to use it as efficiently as possible.
The iconic stepped roofs of Bermuda are also painted white, reflecting the sunlight to help purify the water and also help keep the houses cooler.
But as tourism has grown, the country has welcomed increasing numbers of visitors who are more extravagant with their water, so the island has resorted to desalination plants to supply extra clean water.
