Waterwise launches new year pledge

Water efficiency group Waterwise has challenged people to kick off 2021 with a pledge to be mindful of their water consumption and save 2,021 litres during January.

Waterwise said the campaign was the first step to transforming people’s water-using habits to avoid running out of water in the next few years.

As part its Water Saving Week in May the group highlighted reasons to save resources with its ‘water whys’ themed programme.

The pledge to save 2,021 litres, inspired by Northumbrian Water, encourages people to cut their water usage between 4 and 31 January with emails offering suggestions and easy to implement actions during the month.

Earlier this month Ofwat published data showing per capita consumption (PCC) had changed very little over the past five years with usage increasing in some areas. Managing supply and demand came under scrutiny this year including a public accounts committee (PAC) recommending a coordinated national efficiency campaign to prevent future shortages.

Tips to save water in the home such as timing a shower or ordering water-saving devices from water companies will be sent to participants and the cumulative water saved will be tracked on Waterwise’s website.

To raise awareness of water and carbon footprints at global level, suggestions about having meat-free days will also be offered. According the organisers of annual event Veganuary, swapping a beef burger for a soy alternative could save 2,192 litres of water, while the production of a litre of plant-based milk requires 700 fewer litres of water than dairy.

Northumbrian’s chief executive Heidi Mottram said: “This challenge is a great way for individuals to become more mindful and well-informed on water waste. The smallest changes can make the biggest difference, and by raising awareness of this, we can protect and future-proof our precious water resources. I will certainly be taking the pledge, and we will also be encouraging all of our people to sign up to this challenge – and I’m sure there will be some friendly competition along the way.”

Nicci Russell, managing director of Waterwise, underlined the importance of conserving water: “Unless we waste less, there’s a big risk that many of us across the UK will struggle to get access to water within our lifetimes. The good news is that small changes to our everyday habits now can lead to big savings that can help us to avoid a water crisis.”