"The continuing impact and heightened risk of drought in the South, as a consequence of climate change, highlight the importance of our emphasis on leakage management, water efficiency and demand management, " it said.

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Between now and 2040, fresh water availability will not keep up with demand absent more effective management of water resources.

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The United Nations General Assembly declared 2013 as the ??United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation?. The objective of this International Year is to raise awareness on the potential for increased cooperation, and on the challenges facing water management in light of the increase in demand for water access, allocation and services.

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Whatever happens with the weather, the Environment Agency expects that more and more people will be protected from floods and droughts thanks to water sharing between farmers, water transfer between water companies, and better management of leaks and demand.

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