The much discussed issue of nutrient neutrality affects 74 local authority areas in various parts of the country. Excessive levels of phosphates and nitrates contribute to the growth of algal blooms, which causes reduced oxygen levels with adverse impacts on aquatic life.

There are ways of achieving nutrient neutrality however practically and cost are the issues. For on-site solutions the natural options of fallow land and wetlands are generally impractical due to lack of space and the cost of treatment plants renders this out of reach for any but the largest schemes.

It may seem odd to be talking water shortage in a very soggy summer but the fact of the matter is that water shortages are an issue in some areas and will only increase with time.

As an illustration MP for South Cambridgeshire, Anthony Browne appears to be unimpressed with the government’s development plans for the area: “unless the Government can say where the water will come from, it’s plans are dead on arrival”.