Several UK water companies, along with the economic regulator (Ofwat) have identified the necessity to move towards proactive customer engagement, with a particular focus on achieving large scale water use reduction. As a result of climate change and the expanding population, improved water efficiency is an increasingly important global issue. However, to date there is a lack of suitable research in this area. Waterwise aimed to address a portion of this gap in knowledge through an exploratory survey, predominantly focusing on spending by water utilities in the UK, Europe, USA and Australia on their customer communications and marketing on water efficiency. This research also aimed to compare and contrast company spend on engagement relative to their levels of water efficiency.

This report sets out, for each theme of the Strategy: Progress against actions in Year 1; and Priorities for Year 2. It also sets out a conclusion and next steps.

This summary provides highlights from Year 1, priorities for year 2 and a summary infographic for several themes of the Strategy. For more information, please read the full Year 1 report

We have seen increasing support for water efficiency from government and regulators during the development of the Water Efficiency Strategy for the UK and since. In preparing the Year 1 report for the Strategy we decided it was timely to summarise some of the key policy developments on water efficiency. This is also timely before the UK Government’s full response to the National Infrastructure Commission’s National Infrastructure Assessment, which includes recommendations on metering and water efficiency, as well as the UK Government’s report to Parliament on water conservation as required every three years under the Water Act 2003.

Waterwise worked with the Water Efficiency Strategy for the UK Steering Group to develop an evidence briefing on water efficient new homes in England.

Waterwise is pleased to respond to the Scottish Water consultation ‘Shaping the future of your water and waste water services’.

This research aims to measure the actual water consumption of occupants dwelling in new buildings built to the amended Part G of The Building Regulations. Waterwise (2016) stated that there are still opportunities to reduce water use and a valuable need to understand actual vs reported water use figures. This research will contribute towards what is reported to actual figures.

Essex & Suffolk Water (ESW) and Mouchel have undertaken a research phase to
establish the specific impact of the behaviour change messages supplied to customers
during a standard H2eco style appointment. The approach used is based on the
customer engagement style used during the award winning H2eco study, which is ESW’s
domestic water efficiency project.

Essex & Suffolk Water (ESW) and Mouchel have undertaken the latest phase of the award winning H2eco study within the Grays and Corringham areas of Essex, continuing to promote, educate and deliver water efficiency to customers.