Water UK

Water strategy raises important issues for customers and policy makers

07/02/08

In a wide-ranging review of current water use and policy the government has identified many of the critical challenges facing water customers and policy-makers at a time of growing uncertainty due to climate change.

Water UK is pleased that the government is promoting a long-term approach to policy based on enhancing the value of water and the water environment to a healthy economy and society. In this context Minsters are right to highlight central issues including:

 •  water supply and demand, the need to use water more wisely and the role of water meters

 •  water quality in the environment and the need for a concerted effort throughout society and business to reduce pollution

 •  climate change and its implications for everything from lifestyles to land use planning

 •  flooding and surface water management

 •  charging policy and ensuring that water is affordable whatever your income.

Pamela Taylor, Chief Executive said:

"Ministers have listened to the industry and its stakeholders and reached many of the right conclusions.

"Advanced urban societies like ours in England put massive pressures on the water environment. Water companies have major responsibilities to play in protecting and improving this irreplaceable asset. But many other groups, including consumers, should be able to play their part and the new strategy points clearly in that direction.

"There will undoubtedly be many questions asked about the big issues raised in the strategy, such as how far water customers should pay for services that benefit the whole community. But 'Future Water' deserves to be widely read and used by all stakeholders to inform the debate."

Future Water

Ends

For more information please contact:

Barrie Clarke, Director of Communication
020 7344 1804 (out of hours pager 07623 960573)
or
Bruce Horton, Water Resouces and Climate Change Adviser
020 7344 1817

Note

In December 2007 Water UK prepared a summary of its advice to ministers on what the national strategy should contain:
Water strategy: what and why