Water efficiency label edges closer

Water efficiency labelling is a step closer to becoming a reality following the conclusion of a government consultation on the proposals.

More than 90 respondents submitted evidence in response to plans to introduce mandatory labelling for items such as taps, showers and washing machines.

The Department for environment, food and rural affairs (Defra) said it will publish its response by the end of May.

The introduction of a standardised approach to labelling for all household and commercial products that consume water was announced by Defra in 2021 as part of measures to reduce household water usage.

The water sector and water efficiency groups have long campaigned for such a system to be introduced as a swift and effective way to help householders and non-household customers use less water.

Defra first consulted on measures to reduce personal water consumption in 2019 after reports that England is facing a looming deficit of up to four billion litres of water per day by 2050.

Defra’s proposal would mimic the now-familiar energy efficiency label for household appliances as a straightforward and visible reference that helps people understand how much water household products consume at the point of purchase.

Government launched a consultation on the label in September to garner views on its proposed approach; what products should be covered by the label; the design and features of it; label display; and the standards to support the label.

Campaigners said presenting this information would help people choose lower consumption items, as well as to incentivise manufacturers to be particularly mindful of water usage when designing appliances.

Advocates of a label want to replicate the successes of an Australian scheme, which was implemented in 2005 and by 2017 was saving 300Ml/d.