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New Homes In S.E. Must Be Water Efficient

Posted: 02/02/2006

Britain's environment will come under "increased pressure" unless thousands of new homes planned for the drought-hit South East have water-saving technology say the Environment Agency. The current rules need to be changed so developers involved in the huge house-building programme are forced to build water-efficient properties.

The 'Code for Sustainable Homes' drawn up by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister(ODPM)is not compulsory. "It is not a requirement for new housing to incorporate water efficient fixtures and fittings at the moment," an Environment Agency spokeswoman said.

"Additional development in the South East will increase pressure on the environment, and the right regulations are needed to ensure water efficiency is incorporated into all new buildings." She added: "Water efficient design can reduce household water use by up to 20-25%. We need a concerted campaign by Government to encourage builders to adopt the code for sustainable building, as it will deliver greater water efficiency."

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott wants 1.1 million new homes to be built in London and the South East by 2016. At least 90,000 of those are being proposed for Kent which is currently suffering from one of the longest periods of dry weather seen in years.

Between November and June last year, Sussex and Kent saw eight consecutive months of below average rainfall, and a hosepipe ban is still in place. The EA spokeswoman added: "We also need to provide incentives for householders to save through compulsory metering in areas of water shortages. And we need high profile campaigns by water companies to encourage water savings."

An ODPM spokesman said the Government was planning changes to building regulations making it compulsory for all new homes to have water-efficient fittings such as reduced flush toilets. But he added that research had shown that even a "substantial" rise in house building would only increase water use by 0.1%.

He said: "The reality is that population growth, not housing growth, increases the use of water. We need homes for the next generation, that is why house building must increase". Water regulations were being strengthened with new "compulsory standards" to help tackle the shortages. He said: "Water companies are also making preparations to meet long-term housing plans."

Ian Morgan / 24dash.com  
 

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