Water UK

Water companies have a statutory duty to promote the efficient use of water. In its 2006-07 Security of supply report Ofwat, the industry's economic regulator, recognised that companies' activities had delivered real water savings.

In the past five years over 270,000 supply pipes - connecting a property to the water main - were repaired, 2 million cistern devices distributed (to reduce water used for flushing toilets) and 15 million self-audit packs provided to help customers take steps themselves to use water more efficiently.

In November 2005 the water industry set up and funded an organisation called Waterwise to make the case for large-scale water conservation. In September 2006 Waterwise launched the UK's first water efficiency 'marque' to help consumers choose water efficient products. The marque is awarded to products designed to improve water efficiency and reduce wastage.

Water UK represents and involves the whole industry in the national Water Saving Group set up by the environment minister in 2005. The Group is a partnership between government, Ofwat, the Environment Agency, the Consumer Council for Water, Waterwise and Water UK. Chaired by Jane Kennedy, Minister for Farming and the Environment, it is identifying practical ways its members can encourage the efficient use of water by customers.

Bruce Horton
Policy Development Adviser
020 7344 1817

Barrie Clarke
Director of Communication
020 7344 1804