Water efficiency is the only way to mitigate water supply problems

(11/05/2009)

It is imperative that we start to think about how we use our water every day. The UK’s fresh water supplies are not limitless. Climate change, along with population growth and shift mean that we can’t simply continue to use a third more than many of our European neighbours.

Sustainable water supplies for the future are under threat due to unpredictable weather patterns which mean we can no longer assume we will have enough water for everyone in the future. According to the Met office last autumn was the driest on record. However, January and February were much wetter than usual whilst March has been the driest ever.

That is why key water industry representatives have gathered at Oxford University for the largest ever Waterwise water efficiency conference, part of UN World Water Day celebrations and discussed the best way to deliver water efficiency to ensure the protection of our water supply for future generations.

‘Water efficiency is the only way to mitigate water supply problems. Climate change is leading to massive fluctuations in the UK’s weather patterns. The last few years in the UK have seen the worst floods and droughts for a century. Ironically, both these events have led to water shortages. In addition, our population is increasing and the amount of water we all use each day is increasing meaning almost half of England is seriously water stressed. We can no longer continue to waste water. Delivering water efficiency through large scale home retrofits and ensuring water efficiency in new build home is the only way to secure a sustainable supply for the future.’ Says Jacob Tompkins, Managing Director of Waterwise.

Conference delegates at the fourth Waterwise water efficiency conference, sponsored by Grohe, included a cross section of all organisations interested in water efficiency - the leading policy makers, doers and thinkers on water efficiency, retailers, manufacturers, academics and researchers, water companies, the bathroom industry, housing and local authorities. Delegates heard presentations from The Energy Saving Trust, Ofwat, B&Q, WWF, Water UK, Raven Housing Trust, Greater London Authority, Taylor Wimpey and the Environment Agency.

Related categories:  Environmental legislation   Waste water recycling   Water conservation and supply