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An industry summit, hosted by David Miliband, the new secretary of State for the Environment, was held today to ensure adequate long term water supplies.
Waterwise believes that although there is a role for increased water supply infrastructure in some parts of the UK, water efficiency and long term behaviour change is essential to secure our precious water supply.
‘If we don’t take action now, parts of the UK will face increased water stress’ says Jacob Tompkins from waterwise, ‘It is the small behavioural changes that people can make, such as always using a full load in the dishwasher and washing machine, or turning off the tap when brushing your teeth that make the most crucial long term savings.’
The amount of water being used currently by UK residents is not sustainable in the long term. Only by making small behavioural changes can the demand for water be reduced to ensure a sustainable supply.
The UK has less water per person than any other European Country and the demand for water has increased (and is continuing to increase) by one percent per year since the 1930s. The residential sector accounts for 50% of the total water use, around 9 billion litres a day or the equivalent of 9000 olympic swimming pools. If everybody makes one small change in their behaviour we can ensure a sustainable supply for the future.
ENDS
Waterwise – UK NGO focused on decreasing water consumption in the UK within 5 years, and to building an evidence base for large-scale water efficiency. Waterwise is an independent not-for-profit organization that receives core funding from the UK water industry. Waterwise is part of Defra's Water Saving Group.
For more information please visit www.waterwise.org.uk
Contacts:
Chris Philpot
Media and Campaigns Manager, Waterwise
020 7344 4715
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1 Queen Anne’s Gate, London, SW1H 9BT
Jacob Tompkins
Director, Waterwise
020 7344 1841
07793 709 567
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1 Queen Anne’s Gate, London, SW1H 9BT
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