Following the Environment Agency’s updated National Framework for Water Resources, published this week, Waterwise is urging Government, businesses, and communities to accelerate action to avoid a future in which England faces a daily shortfall of 6 billion litres of water by 2055.
Nicci Russell, CEO of Waterwise, at the Framework launch, said:
“These figures confirm that we are running out of water – right here, right now, not just in the future. They also confirm that all of us have a role to play, at home and at work, in closing the gap between the water we have and the water we need.
“As the independent voice on water efficiency, Waterwise works with everyone to drive awareness of the need for water efficiency and, importantly, how to do it! It’s really important that diverse voices and diverse audiences are reflected in water efficiency campaigns. We all have different relationships with water – and we need to tap into those relationships to drive down water waste.”
The Environment Agency’s analysis warns that 5 billion litres per day could be missing from the public water supply – equivalent to a third of our current daily use.
It states that a further 1 billion litres per day is estimated to be needed by critical sectors including energy, agriculture, and emerging technologies like hydrogen production and data centres.
Jo Osborn, Head of Policy and Research at Waterwise, responded:
“The numbers paint a worrying picture of what happens if we don’t act – but the report highlights how we are in a position where we can still change the story. 2055 might sound far off, but it really isn’t.
“Over half of that deficit is earmarked to be met by reducing water use and leakage, so we need urgent, joined-up action across Government, business and communities now – and everyone has a role to play.”
Environment Agency key findings include:
- 5 billion litres/day potential public water supply deficit by 2055.
- 1 billion litres/day additional demand expected from industry and new technologies.
- 60% of the supply gap must be addressed by managing demand, including water efficiency and leakage reduction.
- Climate change, population growth, and environmental pressures are driving the challenge.
Waterwise welcomes the emphasis in the Framework on water efficiency, smart metering, infrastructure investment and behaviour change, which are all areas the organisation has been championing through its UK Water Efficiency Strategy to 2030.
Key actions needed and underway
The report highlights a number of critical interventions, including:
- Rollout of 10 million smart meters: enabling real-time monitoring and faster leak detection. People with meters use nearly 50 litres less per day on average than those without.
- Mandatory water efficiency labelling: for household products like dishwashers, toilets and showers, helping consumers make informed, sustainable choices.
- Leakage reduction targets: with water companies committing to a 17% cut by 2030 and 50% by 2050.
- Water-efficient homes: ensuring all new developments are designed to use water wisely from day one.
- Infrastructure investment: including 10 new reservoirs, 9 desalination schemes, and 7 water recycling projects.
- Support for innovation: including wider use of rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse, particularly for non-potable uses in homes and industry.
“We know how to fix this. We just need to move forward on it, and with urgency,” Jo added. “We can’t afford to only pay attention during heatwaves or hosepipe bans, whatever the weather we need to be valuing the water we have and using it wisely. Water efficiency is a year-round issue and should be a permanent part of our climate and sustainability agenda. We hope when the Cunliffe Review is published later this summer we’ll see more on water efficiency action highlighted there too.”
