The UK has suffered two years of drought and the latest heavy rain, whilst it has left most reservoirs nearly 80% full, they are far from solving our water crises. In fact, Lord Smith of Finsbury, chairman of the Environment Agency says the nation’s supplies remain in a ‘precarious state’.
He says that over the coming years we may see more of the current predicament. There are going to be similar extremes of weather as climate changes takes over.
Talking to the All Party Parliamentary Water Group which is monitoring the implications of the Water Act, Lord Smith underlined the ‘precarious state of our water resources’.
He pointed out that in addition to climate change the rapid growth in population was a major contributor to water availability, particularly in water stressed areas. We had to work better to make the best of the difficult circumstances.
Having a ‘national grid’ for water was not a ‘sensible way forward’. It was far better for water companies to work more closely together and shift water between themselves.
He made the point that greater home water metering would raise people’s awareness of the amount of water they were using and current demand of around 160litres per person per day, was not acceptable! There had to be a dramatic change in people’s behaviour in this respect.
He also considered it would be a significant move forward for builders of new homes to automatically install grey water systems as part of their new developments. Possibly the public sector could take the initiative in this important arena.
NB: The Bathroom Manufacturers Association has initiated the important water labeling system which highlights all the products such as taps, showers, baths, basins and so on, which have been specially designed and manufactured to help conserve water. Water conservation is the important subject of the National Home Improvement Council’s Parliamentary Lunch on Monday 25th June 2012.
More information: andrew@nhic.org.uk