Water Efficiency Background

Over the next 20 years, demand for water is set to increase substantially. This will be driven by population growth coupled with an ambitious programme of development on one hand, and increasing per capita water consumption on the other. Yet there is likely to be less water available - climate change is forecast to make it drier and the general direction of government policy is likely to lead to tighter controls on abstraction. The overall picture is one of ever increasing demand for an ever scarcer resource, and less water will need to go further.

The economy is heavily dependent on water for agriculture, industry, tourism and recreation. Water shortages during drought have a deleterious effect on the internationally significant rivers, wetlands and wildlife and we must ensure that this is not exacerbated by the effects of abstraction.

The Government is driving a sustainable development programme that mandates improved water efficiency in the built environment via a variety of regulations.  All developers are now expected to contribute to achieving sustainable resource use through innovation in their normal business activities.  The design guide provides a resource to assist developers create water efficient buildings.

This section covers: