The Value of Water Campaign

Water is central to our lives. The basics that we wish to take for granted are that we can drink and swim in unpolluted water. We also expect to be able to go for walks near rivers, streams, lakes and along beaches, and to enjoy water habitats in different ways – sailing, fishing, water-skiing, rowing, and bird-watching – all of which depend on them being well maintained.

Less obvious benefits are the local economic development and regeneration which can be associated with environmental improvements, like re-establishment of migratory fish in upper reaches of rivers and aesthetic improvements from reduced discharges in coastal waters.

In some parts of England and Wales water is an increasingly scarce resource, with certain areas described by Ofwat as ‘deficit resource zones’. Each day millions of gallons of water are wasted by domestic users in England and Wales and further millions of gallons are lost through leakage. Responsibility lies with each person to reduce their water use, and with water companies to address leakage – taking a different approach to tolerance levels in water-scarce areas.

The water pricing review currently underway is likely to conclude that the cost of water to the consumer will have to rise substantially from 2005-2010 to fund spending on our water infrastructure and the environment. Measures to reduce the long-term impact on customers could include a different pricing regime which rewards water saving, and more metering so industry, consumers and suppliers can track their water use.

The public needs to be made 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 and environmental matters; what they can do to reduce their use of water.

The government and water utilities need to interact more effectively, both with each other and with the public on water-related issues. They need to protect the vulnerable from water price increases while ensuring that the sector is properly funded and that political pressure does not lead to unrealistic demands on water resources, for example for development.

The GROW system recycles greywater on the roof of apartment blocks.
Photo: Water Works UK

 Resource Documents

Damp squib or high-pressure jet? Government's record questioned as spring water campaign kicks off
(Press release - 03.05.04)

Recommendations for a sustainable water future

Water supply –  what's involved

Water efficiency

CWater supply – facts and figures

Water – law and policy