Waterwise eyes shorter, targeted water efficiency strategy post-2022

Waterwise has suggested that a five-year period may be too long for its next water efficiency strategy and that the new iteration should be ‘more succinct’.

The not-for-profit group has today published a consultation on a replacement to the current water efficiency strategy, which was launched in 2017 with a five-year timespan.

The strategy was designed to raise ambition and delivery on water efficiency in the UK. Its overarching vision is of a country in which “all people, homes and businesses are water-efficient”.

In its review of the current strategy, Waterwise updates on progress in seven areas of focus. Of the 62 actions across these broader themes, 34 are thought to be on track, with 20 needing further effort and eight where little progress has been made.

Looking at initial lessons from the current strategy, Waterwise suggests a five-year span may be too long and that three years might be a preferable time period in which to reflect wider changes.

It also notes that the breadth of actions covered, adding: “The 2022 strategy could be more succinct with fewer initial actions and a clearer mechanism to add in new themes and actions over time.”

The consultation will run until 3 September and will inform a draft which will then be consulted on again.

Nicci Russell, managing director of Waterwise, said: “We’re really proud of how our first UK Water Efficiency Strategy has driven ambition over the last four years, and we hope the Strategy 2.0 will do the same. We encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and let us know what you’d like to see the future of water efficiency to look like. Waterwise is independent and so is the strategy, so we can be really ambitious. The first strategy was a fantastic team effort across the sector and we want this one to be too. Do join in!”