05/01/09
At the end of December the Environment Agency (EA) published a report describing the current state of water resources in England and Wales and its view of future pressures.
The paper provides a top line account of: water available for use in different regions; the present purposes of abstraction; household and business demand; water management and household use; and pressures from climate, population growth and water pollution.
In early 2009 the EA plans to issue its full Water Resources Strategy for England and Wales covering "the actions we believe need to be taken to manage water resources in a sustainable way to ensure that there is enough water for people and wildlife".
Launch platform
The aim now therefore seems to be a broadly factual launch platform for full recommendations to follow. There are no details of the strategy, but the Guardian newspaper (apparently having received an early copy of the current paper) has formed a clear view of the likely content.
Under the headline, "Running dry, running out: we're wasting too much water despite warnings to turn off taps", Juliette Jowit writes: "The agency will use the report to argue for aggressive increases in the number of homes with water meters to reduce demand". (The Guardian 29 December)
Water companies consulted on 25-year water resource management plans in 2008 and look forward to working with all their stakeholders to ensure that a reliable supply in the face of uncertainties ahead. Helping customers use water wisely through investment in greater use of meters is just one of many measures proposed to ensure a satisfactory balance between future supply and demand. (For more information see links below.)
Sustainability
Water UK commends the EA for raising these issues in a clear overview and looks forward to seeing the full strategy. The water industry shares its view that water resources planning must aim above all at sustainability which the government defines in five principles:
• living within environmental limits
• ensuring a strong, healthy and just society
• achieving a sustainable economy
• using sound science responsibly, and
• promoting good governance.
A national water resources strategy must win the support of water customers and stakeholders to be sustainable and successful. They in turn will expect their views to be taken into account as policy and implementation plans are finalised.
Water meters - the implications
Water Resource Management Plans
Ends
For more information please contact:
Barrie Clarke Director of Communication or
Bruce Horton, Environment Policy Adviser
