RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SUSTAINABLE
WATER FUTURE

The public needs to be made more aware of why tap water costs what it does; what it costs to treat and supply water; the wider value of water in terms of amenity, environment etc.; what they can do to reduce their use of water. The Government and water utilities need to communicate and interact more effectively at early stages of policy and planning – with each other and with the public on water-related issues.

The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, an independent body, is delighted that:

►Tap water in the UK is of a very high quality, and that so many water-related habitats (bathing waters, rivers etc.) are now meeting tough environmental standards.
►The water utilities have worked closely with the environment agencies to plan for a continued rise in environmental standards in their businesses over the next few years.
►The Government has established a National Water Conservation Group and introduced incentives for water efficiency such as free metering for domestic consumers, tax breaks for businesses for the purchase of water-efficient equipment, and Water Efficiency Awards.

However, CIWEM is concerned that:

►Millions of litres of water could be saved every day if the majority of the 76% of households which are unmeasured switched to meters.
►Consistent information about water efficiency which brings about behavioural change does not seem to be reaching the public, despite the efforts of the Government and water companies.
►Government plans for urban development will put pressure on water resources in areas which are already marked out as having problems with supply.

CIWEM recommends that:

The Government
►Brings together regulators, water companies and educators in a Water-Saving Trust to co-ordinate messages, resources and initiatives.
►Reviews its urban development plans in the light of water availability and projected demand and builds early consultation with water utilities into the planning process.
►Puts into place as early as possible measures which will protect vulnerable households from unmanageable water price increases.
►Features water as a discrete topic in the National Curriculum.

The Government, Ofwat and water utilities:

►Further promote the uptake of water meters by domestic consumers.
►Research and introduce innovative tariffs which reward efficient water use (cf Anglian Water’s SoLow and Mid Kent’s Low User tariff).
►Support research into and implementation of the use of non-potable supplies (greywater, wastewater)
►Continue efforts to reduce leakage levels.

Water utilities:

►Positively promote metering as a valuable contribution to water efficiency.
► Improve public communication to get across where money is spent, not just what water costs.
►Impose mandatory metering in water-scarce areas, as provided for by law.

Householders:

►Get a free water meter installed.
►Learn how to be water efficient.
►Use World Environment Day, 5 June, to pledge to reduce their water use in 4 specific ways at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/wed/campaign/