What we do
Waterwise is a really important organisation and its aims and vision are at the heart of what we want to see in Wales - more efficient use of water right across Wales, for the sake of society, the environment and economic growth. Waterwise's insight, knowledge and ambition will be increasingly important to this vision in coming years.
Eifiona Williams, Head of Water Branch, Welsh Government
What we do and why we do it
Waterwise helps communities, businesses and governments to understand the value of water and use it wisely so that we have enough now and in the future. Ambition, partnership and innovation are at the heart of our work.
We are already seeing the impacts of water scarcity on people, the environment and the economy, right across the UK. Climate change and population growth are increasing pressure on water resources in the UK – research (Water UK, 2016) has shown that drought will affect all areas of the UK in coming years.
See more about our work below.
How we work
As the independent experts, we support and challenge everyone to aim higher on water efficiency – whether that’s government, regulators, the water industry, or people and businesses.
Waterwise’s role is to innovate, to develop and test new ideas, to bring partners together for change and to help demonstrate practical water efficiency actions. We work at all levels – from changing the law to encouraging sector leaders to be more ambitious to supporting delivery teams through research and ideas. And we run campaigns on water efficiency across the UK right through the year.
We work in partnership to help other organisations and communities to fulfil our vision that water is used wisely every day, everywhere. We promote water-efficient products, services and innovation. And we help make connections
We are known across the UK water sector and beyond for our passionate and impactful drive for water efficiency, and for providing both support and challenge.
Supporting our work - get involved!
Waterwise Supporters and Affiliates fund our work, enabling us to continue to be the leading independent voice for water efficiency in the UK. Please click on the button below if you’d like to find out more about becoming a Waterwise Supporter or a Waterwise Affiliate.
More about our work
Waterwise people and communities
We run UK-wide partnership water efficiency campaigns throughout the year and support water companies and others on best practice and innovation in behaviour change, customer engagement and community participation. We work with our partners to innovate and pilot new approaches to engage customers and influence behaviour towards water efficiency. We undertake social research to help understand people’s motivations for saving water (or not) and use this in campaigns.
Waterwise policy and regulation
We drive the policy and regulatory agenda across the UK to enable ambitious and innovative water efficiency. We guide, steer and respond to government and regulatory developments across the UK. We produce research, give evidence to political committees, and speak up for water efficiency in national and social media and at high-level events across the sector. Often there is no ‘ownership’ of water efficiency issues and we provide the interface between government, regulators, water companies, social enterprises and others.
Click on the button below to read our latest consultation responses.
Waterwise Checkmark for Offices
Our Checkmark for Offices showcases water-efficient office spaces and buildings.
Find out how to drive water efficiency in your workplace, and shout about it, by clicking the button below.
You can access the Waterwise Checkmark for Offices information below.
Waterwise Training
Waterwise Training produces experts in water efficiency advice and home retrofits. Graduates of our training will be able to talk to customers about why and how to be water-efficient, and take practical steps in homes and businesses to achieve this.
Click on the button below for more information and booking.
Influencing Behaviour and Habits
Waterwise conducts research on understanding water using behaviour and habits, understanding change and understanding audiences, and campaigns and intervenes to create change.
Research
We carry out research alone and with partners. We carry out research into habits and behaviour and to support policy change and industry action on water efficiency in homes and buildings. Our research and that of others can be found on our database.
Shaping policy and regulation
We drive the policy and regulatory agenda across the UK to enable ambitious and innovative water efficiency. We guide, steer and respond to government and regulatory developments across the UK. Often there is no ‘ownership’ of water efficiency issues and we provide the interface between government, regulators, water companies, social enterprises and others.
Waterwise’s Water Efficiency Strategy for the UK
The strategy was developed in consultation with the water sector – including Waterwise supporters and the Water UK-supported steering group.
It sets out a blueprint to deliver a vision of a UK in which all people, homes and businesses are water-efficient, and where water is used wisely, every day, everywhere. Read more about the strategy and the ongoing work of the Water UK supported Water Efficiency Strategy Steering Group in delivering the actions.
Consultation Responses
Waterwise responds to a variety of consultations from UK governments, regulators and water companies, in addition to engaging through meetings and providing evidence to support policy changes. Read our latest consultation responses at the button below.
Working with the Media
We undertake lots of media work promoting water efficiency. We have active Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok accounts. We produce articles and blogs for water sector publications. We carry out national television and radio interviews and help shape programmes in development. We work with mainstream newspapers and the trade press. We develop infographics and run campaigns.
Click on the buttons below for links to some of our media work or to contact us.