12/08/10
Using water efficiently is good for customers and the environment.
The value of meters in helping people use water more wisely is recognised throughout the water sector: by companies, regulators and ministers. Research shows that in households where a meter is installed demand routinely falls by around 10% with no perceived loss of service.
The number of domestic customers using meters has steadily increased and is set to reach 50% of households by 2015. Almost all commercial customers pay a metered charge for water services.
Today's statement from WWF about the importance of water meters is therefore in tune with public policy and industry practice. But in seeming to suggest that universal metering is a panacea for potential threats to rivers and wildlife, the group is stretching a point.
Single measure
The problem is in highlighting a single measure of progress towards a shared goal - enhancing the water environment - while sidelining other relevant matters, including:
• differences between catchments in different parts of the country that affect the needs of the environment and rationale for compulsory metering
• the wishes of customers who may have strong views on compulsory installation
• the financial impact of the change to a meter on some customers who currently pay an unmeasured charge.
In recent years water companies have been responsible for big improvements to the health of the water environment. This work continues and will account for a large part of the industry's planned £22 billion capital investment in the next 5 years.
Balance
A core focus of this work is on ensuring a balance between supply and demand that meets the expectations of society with least impact on the environment. This is achieved through statutory 25-year water resource management plans approved by regulators and government. The aim is a sustainable water service that takes full account of financial, social and environmental costs. Among the methods companies use to hold water abstracted to the minimium necessary:
• increasing use of meters
• constant attention to reducing leaks
• better connectivity between companies' supply zones
• water efficiency promotional campaigns.
Water companies work in partnership with many environment groups, including WWF, in promoting policies and actions to protect the environment in the face of climate change and the pressures of a growing advanced society.
For more information please contact:
Water UK Communication
020 7344 1809 (out of hours 07833 450544)
