The report released by the Environment Agency (Argus, March 22) must make sick reading to those who have suffered in the recent flooding.

Because of climate change, one cannot rule out the possibility of water shortages in the long term during summer months.

The report endorses my campaign to enlarge our existing reservoirs and interconnect them in order to get water to where it is most needed.

Summer rainfall does nothing for the water table because of evaporation and being taken up by vegetation.

It does not percolate through to the aquifers and when the water companies maximise their abstraction programme water levels fall alarmingly in vulnerable areas.

The demand for water, especially during summer months, is increasing rapidly and will be boosted by the massive housebuilding programme.

Enlarging our reservoirs would not worsen winter flooding - it could be beneficial and would contribute during summer shortages.

If the present rate of climate change continues, flooding during winter months will continue, especially as sea levels rise, thus preventing our rivers from fully discharging into the sea.

The enlargement of reservoirs can wait but action for the prevention of flooding cannot.

-Victor Shepherd, Southview Road, Peacehaven