PCC and phosphorus targets set out

The government has laid down interim targets on water efficiency, nutrient removal and leakage for the first time on the path to the goals set out in the 25-year environment plan (25YEP).

Reforming regulation, modernising wastewater treatment and increasing the use of nature-based solutions are some of the ideas at the core of the first Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) – which reports on progress made since the 25YEP.

This is the first time interim targets have been set to meet the goals laid out in the 25YEP for 2038.

The plan specifies per capita consumption (PCC) of water should be reduced by 9% by March 2027 and 14% by March 2032. This interim target is moving towards the longer term aim of 20% PCC reduction by 2030 against a 2020 baseline. Similarly on leakage, which the water sector has imposed its own goal of halving by 2050, the EIP sets a 20% reduction by 2027 and 30% by 2032.

Water demand is forecast to outstrip supply by 2050 with an additional 4,000 megalitres needed each day to satisfy population growth and predicted climate changes. Half of this must be delivered through demand reduction, therefore the EIP said household use must be driven down to 122 litres per person daily by 2038. At present the average PCC is 141 litres, however some companies have exceeded this target in response to drier conditions.

Phosphorus loadings from treated wastewater should be reduced by 50% by January 2028, against a 2020 baseline. This is a move towards the longer term goal of 80% reduction of phosphorus loadings from treated wastewater by 2038.

The report says these targets will require water companies to upgrade at least 160 treatment works to meet the commitments by the end of 2027, and a further 400 by 2038.

The EIP notes: “Existing nutrient removal work by water companies is well established, and water companies have made good progress in reducing phosphorus loads.”

Runoff from agriculture of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment to the water environment should be reduced by 10% by January 2028 against a 2018 baseline.

In catchments containing protected sites affected by nutrient pollution, that reduction should be 15% by 2028. These interim targets feed into the longer-term objective of cutting nutrients from agriculture by 40% into the water environment.

As the largest source of metal pollution in English rivers, the targets include an objective to halve the length of rivers polluted by metals from abandoned mines by 2038. The interim ambition specifies that eight mine water treatment schemes and 20 diffuse interventions to control inputs of target substances to rivers should be constructed by 2038.

Earlier in January, Defra announced it would be enacting schedule 3 to the flood and water management act requiring the use of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). The EIP sets out that government  will now be working on the necessary regulations, processes, national standards and impact assessments to make SuDS happen. This will include a public consultation, with implementation expected in 2024. Rainwater harvesting will be considered as part of the national technical standards.

It also details a consideration for a new standard for water efficient homes of 105 litres per person daily or 100 litres when built in water stressed areas. A fittings based approach will be encouraged, linked to the incoming water efficiency label.

Beyond this, the EIP says government will “review” water efficiency options in planning, building regulation and through voluntary schemes for non-domestic buildings. Water companies will be expected to play a central role in retrofitting households, businesses, charities and the public sector, work which will be supported by Ofwat.

Joining up how the water system is managed across catchments through greater collaboration is key to water resource planning as well as pollution mitigation strategies. The EIP states Defra will improve water policy and regulatory framework by reforming existing framework and “rationalise” the number of regulatory plans in place to make the system more efficient and easier for joined up working by all stakeholders.

Policy around flooding and water will be better integrated, for example by reforming river basin management and flood risk management plans to enjoy multiple benefits.

Work towards these ambitions will be measured in an annual progress report with indicators across 10 broad themes. For water, eight indicators together with long-term trend data on water will be used.