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New Water Efficiency Measures In The Pipeline

Posted: 02/04/2006

New proposals to drive up water efficiency in new and existing homes will be the focus of a consultation to be issued this Summer, say DEFRA. Regulations on water efficiency will apply to new homes, the extension and refurbishment of existing homes and to the refitting of bathrooms and kitchens.

The aim is to reduce water use through measures such as installing low and dual flush toilets and improvements to taps, showers and washing machines. The consultation is in line with a commitment given in December 2005 to regulate on water efficiency in response to Kate Barker’s review of Housing Supply.

Although water consumption in new houses is estimated as 25% to 30% lower than in conventionally built houses, and technical solutions are available for achieving even greater reductions, the Government considers that regulatory or voluntary mechanisms, or a combination of both, will be necessary to implement water saving measures.

Environment Minister Elliot Morley said “Water is a precious resource in many parts of the country, not just because of low rainfall in the short term, but because changes to our climate are taking place at the same time as changes in the structure and behaviour of our communities. We have the responsibility of knowing that action we take now has the potential to either reduce or add to the burden our children will face as pressure on the water supply increases.

"There is no one solution to this complex challenge, and in a changing environment we need a joined-up approach if we are to protect the long term sustainability of supply. That doesn’t mean compromising on comfort or quality of life, but working on a number of levels together, to reduce leakage, improve technology, and minimise waste.”

Housing and Planning Minister Yvette Cooper, commenting on the Government's plans for large scale housebuilding in the South and east of England, said: “We need to build more homes for the next generations and also make sure that they are environmentally sustainable.

That means we need high standards on water efficiency and will bring forward new measures to save water in our homes. Plans have been unveiled for the first ‘exemplar’ growth area development at Northstowe in Cambridgeshire which will create 10,000 new homes with very high energy and water standards. Our Code for Sustainable Homes will also set high energy and water efficiency standards for each of its five star ratings.”

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