June 2011
Water is our planet's most precious (and probably most undervalued) resource and we all need to make an effort to conserve it. This means water companies, businesses, government and regulators.
Water companies have a statutory duty to promote the efficient use of water. In its 2009-10 Service and delivery report Ofwat, the industry's economic regulator, recognised that companies' activities had delivered real water savings as measured against its new water efficiency targets.
Ofwat reported that a total saving in the region of 14 Ml/d was achieved during the year through the distribution of some 465,000 cistern devices and 18,500 water butts, together with dual flush devices and water audits. The water efficiency targets formally come into effect in the 2010-11 reporting year.
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.
