A failure in the chemical supply chain poses the biggest risk to the water industry if a ‘no deal’ Brexit is to occur.
This is according to the Operation Yellowhammer contingency plans that were published last week.
The five-page document from the government was released to highlight the worst-case scenarios if the UK leaves the European Union (EU) without agreeing a deal first.
Operation Yellowhammer, which MPs voted to be made public, alerted people of future challenges, such as being able to access fresh food, medication, and clean water. It also highlighted the possibility of nationwide protests, border delays, and a rise in energy prices.
With regards to not having clean water, 100,000s of thousands of Brits may be affected if the country does not have enough chemicals required to make water safe for human consumption.
The document read: “Water compares are well prepared for any disruption; they have significant stocks of all critical chemicals, extensive monitoring of their chemical supply chains and mutual agreements in place.”
It added: “In the event of a supply chain failure, or the need to respond rapidly to other water supply incidents, urgent action may need to be taken to make sure people continue to have access to clean water.”
While the British public might have assumed they would still be able to access tap water after Brexit, they may not have realised how many chemicals are used to kill bacteria before it can be drunk.
For instance, Chemical Watch revealed disinfectants like chlorine, fluorosilicic acid, corrosion inhibitors like calcium hydroxide, aluminium sulphate to filter out microscopic particles, and anti-foaming agents are all used to treat water before it comes out through taps.
Chemical Business Association’s chief executive Peter Newport is particularly worried about the supply of sodium hypochlorite to treat drinking water.
He told the news provider there are only two plants in Britain that manufacture the substance, with only one of these able to be used in softer water areas like Wales and Scotland.
In addition to this, liquid polymers that treat wastewater are imported from Europe.
Despite many companies stockpiling goods ahead of Brexit including these chemicals, the six-month delay has meant many of these products have since been used. The uncertainty within industries has also made it difficult to continue to accumulate the items at the same rate.
While many people will be concerned about the lack of safe water following the Brexit deadline of October 31st, they will also be worried about the other potential outcomes of leaving without a deal.
Operation Yellowhammer warns of three months of disruption at Channel crossings; immigration delays for those travelling to Europe; fuel shortages; supermarket price increases; waits of up to two and a half days for lorries entering the country; and ‘severe extended delays’ to medicine supplies.
There could also be outbreaks of animal diseases, panic-buying, and a shortage of fresh food, as well as fishing wars between the UK and EU, and the more complicated problem of a hard border in Ireland.
Find out more about chemical analysis in the UK here.
