Heatwave 'may cause drought in London'

Londoners have been warned they could face a drought if the heatwave continues, despite the recent installation of a wastewater plant.

The Environment Agency announced its concern that the hot weather could result in a drought after it revealed it would be increasing monitoring for pollution leaks in rivers to prevent water supplies from drying out.

According to the Met Office, temperatures could reach 31 degrees Celsius in some areas of the country this weekend.

Head of water resources at the Environment Agency Trevor Bishop said: "Our challenge during drought is to balance the needs of people, business and the environment, making sure there is enough water for everyone."

London, which has enjoyed a long stint of the hot weather, is thought to be at particular risk of drought.

This comes after the Thames Gateway Water Treatment Works plant was opened last month, designed to transform wastewater in the capital to clean drinking water in times of drought.

Posted by Joseph Hutton