Waterwise chief makes urgent call for a cut in water demand

The country must urgently reduce water demand to tackle a growing water deficit and support the net zero agenda according to Waterwise managing director, Nicci Russell,

in her capacity as independent chair of the Senior Water Demand Reduction Group, to government, regulators and industry in a letter published last week.

Russell pointed out household consumption is up by over 60% since the 1960s, and that heating water for taps and showers is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the home. In her letter she called for the sector to:

• centre water efficiency in the climate crisis – Russell noted the reduction in emissions from the water sector’s commitment to net zero operational emissions by 2030 could be doubled if accompanied by just a 10% reduction in hot water demand;

•ensure homes and buildings are water efficient;

• drive down business water demand;

• support a culture change in customer behaviour; and

• ensure the water demand reduction target under the Environment Act is more ambitious than current plans.