Environmental horticulture uses just 0.15% of UK water, but faces severe risk from restrictions, according to new research
5 March 2026
Environmental horticulture businesses are facing disproportionate risk from water restrictions that could threaten their survival and undermine a sector delivering climate adaptation, biodiversity and greener communities, according to new research published today by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA).
The environmental horticulture sector uses just 0.15% of the UK’s total water consumption. Yet, the findings from the HTA’s 2025 Water Consumption & Resilience Survey highlight what the Association describes as a “low-consumption, high-risk” paradox for a sector that contributes £38 billion to the UK economy.
HTA analysis estimates that UK garden centre retailers and professional growers use approximately 19.4 million cubic metres of water annually - around 0.15% of total UK consumption, and significantly less than the 1–2% attributed to the wider agriculture sector. Despite this relatively small national footprint, 88% of surveyed businesses said that restrictions on mains or abstracted water would have a serious negative impact or directly threaten the survival of their business.
The research also exposes a preparedness gap. Only 30% of growers, and none of the garden centres that responded, have a contingency plan in place should their water supply be restricted. At an aggregate level, growers can store just 28% of their annual water needs, while garden centres can store around 38%, leaving many businesses exposed during prolonged dry periods.
The publication is part of the HTA’s ongoing water resilience work, which includes being a leading voice in key for a and a recent high-level Westminster roundtable on 19 January, hosted by Robbie Moore MP, Shadow Environment Minister, at which HTA members and policymakers discussed how to secure long-term water resilience for the sector and remove barriers to investment in on-site storage and infrastructure.
Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said:
“Environmental horticulture is responsible for less than 0.2% of the UK’s total water use, yet our members face disproportionate risk when restrictions are in place. This is a sector that underpins climate adaptation, supports biodiversity, boosts health, enhances public spaces and has the potential to contribute over £50 billion to the economy by 2023 with the right levers in place.
“Our members are already doing what they can by investing in water efficiency and recycling, but building long-term resilience needs a joined-up UK water strategy that recognises the value of environmental horticulture and removes the legislative and financial barriers that currently limit investment in storage and sustainable water management. 2026 must be a year of preparation, not reaction.”
The new research shows the progress already being made, with professional growers now sourcing 32% of their water from rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling, demonstrating a significant industry commitment to sustainable water use.
Alongside its policy engagement, the HTA is joining this week, in partnership with the Environment Agency, WaterWise and the Consumer Council for Water, to encourage businesses and consumers to strengthen resilience during the current wet season. A joint blog, “2026: A year we prepare, not react", urges proactive steps such as installing and filling water butts, identifying hidden leaks through initiatives like the “Leaky Loo Challenge”, and seeking advice from garden centres on the right plant, right place and drought-resilient planting.
Together, this work aims to ensure both businesses and consumers are better prepared for future dry periods. The HTA will continue engaging with government to ensure environmental horticulture is fully recognised within long-term water planning, so the sector can invest with confidence while continuing to deliver economic, environmental and social value across the UK.