Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential impact of the growth of artificial intelligence technologies on future water demand; and what steps they are taking to mitigate the risk of water shortages as a result.

The Environment Agency published its second National Framework for Water Resources in June 2025 and continues to engage with the sector to improve understanding of future water needs. A questionnaire recently completed by the sector will aid modelling. Further data and more refined modelling will be needed to fully understand future needs.

Water companies also factor in future supplies required for non-household demand in their areas. Meeting increased demand will also require water using sectors, such as artificial intelligence technology, to forecast and plan their water consumption, look to water efficiency measures, and their own sources of water to support their operational resilience.

The Water Delivery Taskforce will hold water companies to account to deliver their PR24 plans; ensuring the additional water, wastewater and drainage capacity needed for longer-term growth is understood and suitable plans are in place for delivery both within and beyond the Price Review 2024 (PR24) programme.

Ofwat published their PR24 final determinations in December 2024, which sets company expenditure and customer bills for 2025-2030. This will deliver substantial and enduring improvements through a £104 billion upgrade for the water sector.