Your Water Company Has Become A National Security Problem

InnovationYour Water Company Has Become A National Security ProblemByCharles Radclyffe,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I am a Digital Ethicist, writing about Emerging Technology and EthicsFollow AuthorApr 21, 2026, 11:12am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.WOODHEAD, DERBYSHIRE - JUNE 11: In this aerial view low water levels impact the Woodhead Reservoir where the normally covered bed is revealed on June 11, 2025 in Woodhead, Derbyshire. The National Drought Group, convened by the UK's Environment Agency, has said England saw its driest spring in 132 years, with May bringing only 57% of the long-term average rainfall. A drought has been declared in the north-west, and the north-east, Yorkshire, east and west midlands experiencing prolonged dry weather. Although recent rainfall has helped stabilize the situation, diminished reservoir levels have sparked concern over potential water supply challenges, as the Met Office warns that prolonged dry, sunny weather is becoming more frequent across the UK. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)Getty ImagesIn the Second World War, there was a period between 1939 and early 1940 when Britain had declared war but not a lot really happened. The bombs had not started falling yet.WWII was the fake news of the day. From our perspective 85+ years later, we can see that period in context, but those at the time had a name for it: the “phoney war”.That is where we, in the West, are now – a phoney war. The drones are hitting Kyiv, Lebanon and Dubai. But in London and New York, we are not yet facing a counterattack. The question is not whether it comes, but when.But when it does, it will not look like 20th century warfare. It will be guerrilla. It will be sabotage. It will be low budget. And a huge amount of it will be cyber. The Jaguar Land Rover PlaybookLast year gave us a strong clue as to wh...