Link to energy vital in water efficiency
May 11th 2009

Sustainability First has conducted a study into water efficiency sponsored by eaga.The study explored the possibilities for improving efficient use of water through use of metering, tariff systems and regulatory changes, building on eaga’s experience of pilot work in the South West.Water Efficient Solutions summaries the 25 page document 2 2

The report ‘water, water everywhere? – Sustainable water use’ explores primarily the issues faced by domestic consumers in the areas of affordability and efficiency, in tandem with the greater principle of sustainability within the industry. However, an equally important segment of consumers is that of industry. The recent Ofwat Future Water Efficiency Targets split efficiency targets between domestic and non-domestic consumers. However existing water consumption in both sectors must be considered prior to target setting and on-going analysis of efficiency submissions.

Improving efficiency within large water consumers is likely to be a ‘quick win’.However, this activity, along with concerted effort for smaller industrial outlets in relation to domestic customers, provides a good test bed for tackling issues and helping to address long-term sustainability and climate change concerns. Many industrial organisations are working to improve their carbon footprint and the intrinsic link between water and energy consumption is crucial for this sector.

In highlighting the link between industrial and domestic consumption it is important to compare direct and ‘virtual’ water – i.e. the water used in the treatment and production of goods.The average person uses 150 litres per day through actions such as showering, drinking, toilet flushing and so on. However, when water used in the production of clothes that the person wears and the food that they eat is calculated, this takes the ‘virtual’ water use to an average level of 4645 litres per day, highlighting the importance in delivering efficiencies within industrial consumers.

At the time of this study,Ofwat released its consultation on the proposed Water Efficiency Commitment – in partnership with the Water Saving Group, the Environment Agency and Water Companies. Such a combination of stakeholder involvement is very welcome.

The synopsis of the consultation is as follows: The consultation proposes effective action on assisting the reduction of household water consumption from the current level of 150 litres per household per day, towards the Government guidelines of 130 litres per day by 2030.

Ofwat proposes to set targets for each water company of an annual base line level of 1 litre per billed property per day saving through ‘approved water efficiency activity’. Billed properties refer to both domestic and industrial consumers and Ofwat will monitor water company submissions through a 3-year review period to ensure that there is not an over-emphasis on either segment for quick wins, with no real long-term addressing of sustainability.

In setting the targets Ofwat has identified three key strands in the base service:

• propose for each company an equivalent target in megalitres per day relative to the number of properties served by the company;

• require each company to continue to provide information to consumers on how to be more water efficient; and

• require each company to contribute to improving the evidence base for water efficiency.

The rationale behind these strands is that they would be tough enough but achievable for water companies generically – equating to an overall 40% increase on the current average amount of water saved.

The report notes the setting up of the Cave Review by Defra. Innovation could promote efficiency and waste reduction, and it will be interesting to see the results with particular reference to the following aspect of the Cave review: “Our aim is to recommend changes that will, among others, deliver keener prices, more choice and better service for all consumers, including particularly vulnerable households, and encourage the better and more sustainable use of water.”

Innovation not only relates to technological advances in devices, appliances or supply infrastructure, but also to innovative social programmes such as WaterCare in the South West of England or the Enhanced Metering Programme in East Anglia. Such schemes help to provide a stronger evidence base on both the relative success of installation and the effects of metering or tariff improvement. Central regulatory encouragement on such matters could lead to adoption of these across water companies. This report would be disappointed if the Cave Review focused either solely or primarily on technical advances.