Waterwise flags fears to water minister over consumption consultation delay

Waterwise wrote to water minister Thérèse Coffey on 19 June to highlight its concern over the ongoing delays to the planned water efficiency consultation and evidence gathering. The letter was supported by CIWEM, Blueprint for Water, a number of water companies and WaterUK.

The consultation, which was originally expected early in 2019 and most recently in May, was identified in DEFRA’s December 2018 Water conservation report, which is required under the Water Act 2003, detailing action taken and planned by government and industry to encourage efficient use and management of water.

A call for evidence on setting “an ambitious target” for personal water consumption was expected to be accompanied by a consultation exploring supporting policy options. These include water efficiency labelling, building regulations, leakage, metering and business retail market policy.