The Fight for Water | DW Documentary | Part 1

Aug 10, 2022 Climate change is causing temperatures to rise. Extreme weather events and droughts are increasing. Springs and wells are drying up. And everyone needs more water. The battles for control over precious water reserves have begun.

In some countries, water has always been available in abundance - and is wasted carelessly every day. But the climate crisis is changing that. Because the climate is warming, everyone needs more water than ever: for drinking, agriculture and industry. Water is the new gold.

In many countries, the distribution battles for precious water reserves have already begun. In Mendocino, California, there is no longer enough water to flush the toilets. And in Germany, regional drinking water supplies collapse in hot weather. Groundwater levels have dropped to record lows in many places. Will we still have enough drinking water in the future? What happens when our water disappears?

California ‘Crippling Drought’ Leads to Strict Water Restrictions – BBC News

Jun 1, 2022 • Strict water restrictions come into force for millions of people in California as the US west coast continues to experience a crippling drought.

Many predict will get even worse during the summer.

People in the state's agricultural heartland, who have been struggling with water shortages and contamination for years, say it’s time for people in metropolitan areas to conserve water and do their part.

Millions Face Higher Bills under Plans for Compulsory Water Meters

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Millions of families face higher bills under proposals to fit homes with compulsory water meters, after ministers ruled that reservoirs are at risk of running dry

Water companies across a third of the country will be required to consider fitting all properties in their areas with a water meter and billing customers for every drop they use.

Under the order, approved this week by Owen Paterson, the Environment Secretary, some family water bills could double.

It follows warnings from the Government’s environment specialists that climate change and England’s growing population will put the future supply of water in reservoirs and rivers under “serious stress”.

Householders are already suffering higher water bills, especially in parts of the country at risk of drought. In some parts of southern England where meters are fitted, annual bills have increased by hundreds of pounds.

Ministers have ordered nine of the 24 regional water companies in England and Wales to consider compulsory metering in all the homes they serve. Read on and comment » | Tim Ross, Political Correspondent | Friday, August 09, 2013