Water
From Seedawiki
Contents |
Introduction
Direct water consumption within the South East as a whole is very high – estimated to be between 130-150 l/person/day in metered households and more than 170 l/person/day in unmetered households for the majority of the area during 2007-2008.
However, this direct water consumption is only part of the story. It is important to be aware that ‘indirect water’ (such as that used to grow the crops we eat) can be up to 25 times greater than household water use.
Unlike (for example) carbon emissions, which are damaging wherever they occur, the environmental and human impacts of water use can vary from benign to disastrous depending on circumstances. So it is not clear that a single measure of ‘virtual water’ could ever capture them all in a scientifically valid way. But clearly it is likely to be good for sustainability to reduce consumption and waste of goods with high ‘virtual water’, especially ones imported from drier regions. http://www.waterfootprint.org gives more background.
The Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR)'s report Managing water resources and flood risk in the SEconcludes that 'there is potentially enough water in the South East to meet the rising demand for new housing and domestic consumption', but only if various interventions are vigorously pursued to reduce consumption as well as increase supply. Water efficiency from Business Link gives practical advice to businesses on saving water.
Case Studies
South Hampshire Integrated Water Management Strategy
PUSH (The Partnership for Urban South Hampshire) commissioned an integrated water management strategy for South Hampshire which made recommendations on water supply, waste water and flooding.
Water neutrality in the Thames Gateway
The Environment Agency’s research on water neutrality in the Thames Gateway concluded that water neutrality – development that resulted in no net increase in water demand, through a combination of on-site and off-site measures – is feasible but will need a combination of interventions. Projects in the South East are already demonstrating important elements of the package:
Preston Water Efficiency Initiative
The Preston Water Efficiency Initiative is a partnership fitting water efficiency equipment in existing homes and a school, saving at least 20%.
Savings on Tap - Ashford
This project demonstrated the benefit of installing water saving appliances and fittings in a new housing estate. Water rates were also varied; half the houses were put on an experimental seasonal tariff –about half the standard metered rate for 8 months, but about double the standard rate in May-August – to see if this encourages further savings.
Lydd stepped tariff
Lydd is one of the first areas in the UK to experiment with a stepped tarriff: enough water for each household's essential needs at a low price per litre, then a higher price per litre for higher use. The idea is to give households a stronger incentive to avoid unnecessary water use while keeping essential use affordable.
Crawley Hospitality Sector water savings
A scheme to audit and install water efficiency measures in the hospitality sector
Key Priorities
- Help existing households reduce piped water demand
- Make new development as near water neutral as possible
- Reduce wasteful consumption of goods with high “virtual water” content
