Water labels law to be fast-tracked after drought

HOUSEHOLD appliances will be stamped with mandatory water-efficiency labels under radical proposals set to be announced this week.

Ministers are looking to bring forward a law to ensure all new showers, washing machines and dishwashers clearly state how much water they use.

It is hoped that they will encourage the purchase of more water-efficient products and help Britain achieve its target of reducing personal consumption to 110 litres per person per day by 2050. At present, the average person uses around 142 litres.

The plans were first mooted last year in the Government’s 25-year Environment Plan but are now being fast-tracked because of water shortages.

Last night Water Minister Steve Double said: ‘This Government will continue to do everything in its power to support households across the country and help ease pressure on consumers.

‘We want to help equip people with the right information so they can save water and reduce their energy bills.’

Energy efficiency labels are already displayed on new appliances and the water labelling scheme will look similar. The hope is that the initiative could, by 2050, see Britons using 1.2 billion litres less water – equivalent to 480 Olympic swimming pools.

According to research commissioned by non-profit organisation Waterwise, labels can also cut carbon emissions, saving customers up to £150million on energy bills over the next decade.

A similar environmental scheme has been running in Australia for 16 years and it saves each person on average £25 per year.