A new report from Demos, supported by Affinity Water, calls for the Government to adopt new policy changes to safeguard the UK’s water supply. The nation’s supply of water is set to be tested, with extreme weather events to become more frequent, and as the population continues to grow, the precious and finite supply of water is under threat.  

With a shortfall of 200 million litres of water a projected reality within 15 years, Demos, Britain’s leading cross-party think-tank, supported by Affinity Water, has developed a report, outlining the policy recommendations and collective action needed.   

The report investigates the factors preventing people from using less water and what is needed to ensure a resilient supply in the near and long term. Leading experts were brought together from across government, policy makers, academia, home builders, climate experts, and the water industry, to consider how to fix the looming national water crisis which will keep the taps flowing.   

Now, Affinity Water is calling on political parties to include the policy recommendations in their upcoming election manifestos to help to prevent water shortages in the UK. Affinity Water is also asking people to act now by signing up to this petition to make political parties sit up and take note ahead of the next general election. 

Consultation with government, policy makers, academia, home builders, climate experts, and the water industry, has led to the development of 8 policy recommendations that will act as a foundation for tackling water resilience in the UK: 

1. Resurrect the post of Minister for Water as a formal political position to act as a national champion for water efficiency. Water, like food and energy, is a basic human right. While there are Ministerial roles that cover food and energy, there isn’t a Minister for Water. Resurrecting the post of Minister of Water will ensure there is a leader in Government championing the issue for the public. 
2. Create a National Water Council to bring key organisations and experts together to resolve issues relating to water in one place. This would include a holistic group of experts from different fields to collaborate.
3. Better training for plumbers and installers to reduce leaks and ensure that water efficient products achieve maximum efficiency. Knowledge is power. New training for plumbers across the UK will make them hubs for advice on water efficiency, making it easier for everyone to make an informed decision on which fittings and machines to buy to save the most water. 
4. Compulsory water meters for all households including the removal of pre-installation inspections. The installation of water meters will enable households to better understand their usage, so they can leave more water in the environment. 
5. Create a rapid “Greywater Review” to identify the feasibility of using greywater for businesses and recreational usage. Improving policy on recycling water from dishwashers, washing machines and showers, will empower businesses and organisations to be more water efficient. 
6. Set more ambitious targets for new homes for water efficiency. New homes should be built with an overall aim of 100 litres per person per day in water-stressed areas, and 110 litres in all other areas.  
7. An ‘All-In-One’ approach to retrofitting homes so that water efficiency is included alongside energy efficiency. Start to treat the water crisis with the same urgency as the energy crisis and encourage people to make their homes more water efficient too. 
8. Explore the use of rising block tariffs, providing a range of tariffs which determine the price consumers pay based on usage. Water is a precious resource, but it isn’t infinite, so it’s reasonable for households who overuse water to face higher costs.

Sign the petition today to make sure the 8 policy recommendations are incorporated in the upcoming UK political manifestos to keep the taps flowing and Britian brewing!  

Join us and change your water usage at affinitywater.co.uk/saveourstreams