Water UK criticises ‘unclear’ government approach to efficiency

The trade body representing the water sector has criticised the Environment Bill for lacking ambition to persuade and assist the public to be more water efficient.

It said the bill lacks clarity on key issues relating to water and wastewater and showed a “weak approach” to integrated long-term planning for drainage and wastewater.

It follows criticisms from shadow environment minister Luke Pollard, speaking as part of our Mind the Tap campaign, that the Environment Bill is a “wasted opportunity” because of its lack of focus on water.

Water UK believes the bill is too ambiguous in its clauses on resource efficiency, which could be interpreted to introduce water labelling scheme

In December, Water UK published a report on reducing per capita consumption. The study, carried out by Artesia, found that of all the options for reducing water demand in the home showed conclusively that water labelling schemes are, “by an order of magnitude, the most powerful, reliable, cost effective and consumer-friendly options available”. Furthermore, it found such a scheme could be introduced with at little cost to government.

“These changes would also protect consumers’ water bills and give them information about the appliances they purchase. However, Government have not yet committed to their introduction,” the body said.

The group called on the government to remove the current uncertainty and commit to a labelling scheme for appliances coupled with minimum evidence-based standards for water-efficient use.

The trade body stressed that “the water industry is uniquely affected by climate change’s impacts on rainfall patterns and drought” and made 24 recommendations to government to improve the crucial legislation.

On behalf of the industry the trade body made the recommendations to call for clarity and long-term stability from the bill to facilitate “a predictable, stable legal framework following Brexit”, something  essential for enabling long term planning, investment and innovation.

Its recommendations call for water resource management to be included as a central part of the climate change debate, not just in terms of mitigation.

It also wants to the see the powers of the Office of Environmental Protection – the creation of which was proposed as part of the bill – be guaranteed powers to hold government to account, similar to existing powers held by the EU.