As we celebrate World Water Day, we remember that clean water is a basic human right. While this is something generally taken for granted in the UK, there are indications that a long-standing water stress issue might make an impact more than ever in 2023.
Indications show◊ that river and aquifer levels are already dangerously below their usual flows in 2023, with predicted weather patterns this year pointing to long hot and dry periods, which will add further stress to our potable water supply.
In addition, most UK rivers do not meet the criteria for good ecological status, and exposure to chemicals and pesticides needs to be managed. In February 23, the government released The Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), with Goal 3 targeting clean and plentiful water for all. The EIP sets new targets that will apply to water companies, industry and many other businesses, including developers.
Despite recent changes in approach, works and improvements in the water sector, the benefits have had diminishing returns due to other factors such as the increase in population and increase in pollution risk. This highlight deficiencies in the UK’s infrastructure condition and suitability for growth.
Nutrient balance is also considered in the EIP, with stringent targets for pollution from agriculture. There is a target reduction in nitrogen, phosphorous and sediment pollution of 40% by 2038, with interim measured targets also applied and stronger targets in areas where nutrient imbalance is a significant issue.
The EIP indicates that an additional 4 billion litres of water per day will be required to meet demand by 2050, noting that the current water use per day is approximately 14 billion litres, with an estimated leakage loss of 20%. It is anticipated that half of the target will be met by reducing demand (water saving culture) and half through increased supply (fixing leaks).
The EIP identifies a long-term target of water consumption per head as 20% by 2038, again with interim benchmark targets to be achieved. The government anticipates that this reduction will be shared by businesses and residential households and will likely result in an expectation on developers to design water efficient schemes and meet stringent daily water use values. It will also put the emphasis on current businesses to operate differently and introduce water saving strategies into their processes.
As there is a target to reduce extraction by 0.8 billion litres per day by 2027 and 1.4 billion by 2050, abstraction licensing is likely to be analysed. This will have a knock-on effect to the permitting process and increase pressure on industry, specifically agriculture.
A significant portion of the strategy proposed by the government will rely on the improvements to wastewater infrastructure and performance by water companies as the statutory undertakers. The government is requiring that all water companies upgrade their treatment works for water quality and prioritise areas affected by nutrient neutrality, which should unlock planning permission for many new developments in these areas.
The EIP recognises that there will be a significant increase in water demand nationally and that the approach to water consumption must undertake a step change for all. While there is a significant burden on the water industry to reduce leaks and upgrade infrastructure, the culture of water use (both for residents and businesses) will need to change.
It is hoped that these targets, in line with the implementation of Schedule 3 of the FWMA provide the opportunity to examine the water cycle of new developments as a whole and provide sustainable holistic solutions that will reduce water demand, re-use water, share water and reduce strain on public infrastructure.
Only if this is done in tandem with the works being scheduled by the water companies, will the diminishing returns on improvements end and the scales be tipped back towards a safe, clean, abundant supply of water to all in the UK.
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