Water UK

Ofwat publishes consultation on water efficiency targets

24/06/08

This initiative is part of the government led Water Saving Group project and would mean targets being set from 2010.

Water UK believes that well founded and economic water company targets are just one, albeit important, element of a shared and coordinated effort by all stakeholders to change consumer behaviour.

Others include changes to water fitting standards and Building Regulations, labelling schemes and effective communication. It simply doesn't make sense to hold any single group of stakeholders accountable for the behaviour and actions of society as a whole.

The water industry has long recognised the importance of water efficiency and the role that a range of organisations must play in reducing the amount of water wasted.

That is why the industry set up waterwise and why Water UK is urging all members of the Water Saving Group to state how their actions will contribute to the agreed common goal of reducing per capita consumption (pcc).

The group has agreed that contributions to this goal should have explicit timeframes and expected outcomes, and link to the aspiration set out in the government water strategy to reduce pcc to 130 litres per day or less by 2030.

Water UK will be submitting a formal response to this consultation.

Ends

For more information please contact:

Bruce Horton

Karen Thompson

Notes

1. Ofwat press release

2. Waterwise is an independent non-government organisation established by the water industry to promote large-scale water efficiency initiatives.

3. The Water Saving Group brings together key water industry organisations, government and regulators to raise awareness about water efficiency and work for the long-term to reduce per capita consumption.