Tunbridge Wells water shortage – risk or opportunity?

Tunbridge Wells water shortage

For anyone who lives in Tunbridge Wells or surrounding areas, they will know that we have been out of water since late on Saturday 29 November.

As I write this post, there is still no water for some homes and businesses.  Initially I wasn’t too concerned as I had a bottle of water in case this happened. As time went on with the update that water still wasn’t returning, it got me thinking.  With talk of water scarcity as part of climate change and sustainability, it made me realise how lucky we are with the water availability we generally have.  As human beings we adapt fairly quicky, so I used the bottled water for drinking and filled my toilet cistern with the water from my garden water butt, however, what about the dishwasher and, as a mother of three, the huge pile of clothes piling up.  Worse still the lack of shower or bath!  As a family we have managed for a couple of days with a few changes, but what about long-term planning. 

I’ve been looking at sustainability with my colleague Zoe Gibbons and water scarcity is one of the risks to consider.  Businesses adapted brilliantly during COVID, so I have every faith that people will, but why not plan ahead and consider this possibility ahead of any potential climate risks.

Planning ahead

As part of COP30 in Brazil, they are looking to see if we are on track to achieve the climate goals set out at COP21 in 2015.  Progress is slow so we need to focus on implementation rather than planning.  As part of this Perrys, will look to publish our first impact report by the end of 2025 and look at the risks for our clients and how they can try to mitigate these within their business and supply chains.  Have you considered how your business might be affected by climate change?  I’m always keen to know what people are doing in this sector.

Affecting local businesses

I’m also an advocate of supporting local and following this recent water shortage, it has affected the businesses in Tunbridge Wells and locally.  With this being a key trading time for many businesses I’d encourage those who haven’t done their Christmas shopping (me being one of them!) to support the town rather than going online.  Following the recent Christmas light turn-on in town, it is looking very festive and there is much going on with the ice rink in Calverley Gardens and Primark opening shortly.  

Enjoy the festive season and happy shopping!