The future for water in England
March 04th 2008

The past year has been challenging for water. A year ago, hosepipe bans were still in place in parts of south-east England at the end of one of the worst droughts in a century. Just four months later we experienced the wettest June since records began, with devastating flooding affecting large parts of the country. As our climate changes, so must our policies. The Government’s new water strategy for England, Future Water, creates the space for that change, setting out our vision for 2030 and some of the steps needed to take us there.

Our vision is one where, by 2030 at the latest, we have improved the quality of our rivers and lakes and the ecology which they support; sustainably managed risks from all types of flooding and coastal erosion; ensured a sustainable use of water resources, with fair, affordable and cost-reflective water charges; and cut the greenhouse gas emissions associated with cleaning, supplying and using water, and treating and disposing of wastewater. It is also a vision where adaptation to climate change and other pressures has become part of business as usual.

The strategy looks at the water cycle as a whole, from precipitation and drainage through to treatment and discharge. It is founded on the simple principle that every action which impacts on one part of the water environment can potentially impact elsewhere. Only by recognising this can we meet our ambitious new housing targets and other challenges from changes in climate, population and lifestyles.

Achieving the vision

Our vision cannot be achieved by Government alone: we all must learn to value water. Government and industry can raise awareness and provide incentives,and water companies can set an example by meeting their leakage reduction and water efficiency targets. But it is also up to individuals to take personal responsibility. Water can be saved in our homes and communities, in industry and agriculture, as well as by the water industry itself.

Valuing water also means taking better care of the water environment. Government, water companies, industry, land managers and individuals must work together at the catchment scale to prevent pollution problems arising in the first place. Collaborative approaches are enshrined in the Water Framework Directive, which will remain the principal vehicle for delivering improved environmental water quality.

Water quality problems can be caused or exacerbated by poor surface water management. Large amounts of surface water run-off can lead to pollution of water courses and flooding. Climate change and new development are likely to put further pressure on the public sewerage system. We want to encourage more sustainable options for surface water drainage, such as reusing it, or allowing it to permeate naturally through the catchment.

Reducing water waste, tackling pollution at source, and promoting sustainable drainage can help to minimise the water sector’s greenhouse gas emissions, either by reducing the amount of water supplied and treated, or by reducing the intensity of the treatment needed.

Water companies themselves should contribute fully to the achievement of national emission reductions targets and maximise their potential for renewable energy use and generation.

Government will continue to provide a framework in which a modern and efficient water industry can thrive. This will combine high environmental standards and protection of consumer interests, with a proportionate and effective approach to regulation. In particular, we will work to ensure that the growth in household water metering is managed in a fair and effective way, saving water and delivering affordable bills.

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