Take a shorter shower – or we’ll run out of water
FAMILIES are being urged to save water by taking shorter showers and not rinsing dirty plates before loading the dishwasher.
The call comes from the Environment Agency and water companies, who wants households to dramatically cut back or face the ‘frightening’ prospect of the taps running dry.
They say that unless action is taken now, Britain risks serious water shortages within 25 years due to climate change and population growth.
And they raise the spectre of hosepipe bans, or even cutting off supplies to homes on a rota basis.
The companies have issued a list of lifestyle changes people should adopt, including using a plug when washing or shaving in the sink and turning off the tap when brushing teeth.
They say using a dishwasher is better than hand-washing dishes in the sink, and urge drivers to use a bucket of water to clean a car, rather than a hose. They also advocate water meters, which charge by the litre.
The proposals form part of a report called Great British Rain Paradox, which argues that despite perceptions, the UK is battered by rain and floods, some areas get less rainfall than parts of east Africa.
Much of the rain in Britain flows into the sea, instead of being captured in reservoirs. At the same time, Britain has failed to develop a national water grid capable of shifting supplies to areas in need, despite recommendations dating back decades.
The report said daily household water use had risen to 143 litres. Government experts suggest this should come down to 100 litres by 2050 and potentially as few as 70.
The report warns: ‘If no action is taken between 2025 and 2050, around 3.435million extra litres of water per day will be needed for public water supply to address future pressures.
‘The South East of England is facing the greatest pressures on public water supplies and if savings are not achieved it could develop a shortfall, leading to more frequent use of drought measures.’
Christine McGourty, chief executive of industry trade body Water UK, said: ‘It might be a surprise for many people that we have less available water than a lot of other nations. So, whatever the weather, we want to make the most of this vital resource and think carefully about the water we use.
‘Just by making simple changes, like turning off the tap when you brush your teeth, we can all make a big difference.’
Environment Agency chief executive Sir James Bevan said: ‘People might wonder how a country with such a reputation for rain like the UK could reach a tipping point where demand for water outstrips supply in just 25 years. But this may become a reality if we don’t take action to save water now.
‘A convergence of factors underpinned by climate change has led us to this frightening prospect. But if we all take concerted action now we can ensure that there will be enough water to go around for generations to come.’
TV presenter Simon Reeve added: ‘Water scarcity is already putting our natural environment under stress with significant impact on freshwater habitats and loss of biodiversity.’