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Experts urge year-round water saving as severe droughts impact parts of England
Overview
Following the escalation of severe drought conditions across parts of south-west and southern England, experts and campaigners are urging the public to adopt water-saving habits all year-round rather than just during the summer months. The Environment Agency reports that reservoirs have continued to fall into the autumn due to high demand and prolonged dry weather. Water efficiency measures at home and work, alongside increased water reuse and infrastructure investment, are highlighted as essential steps to bridge a forecasted daily water gap.
Key points
- Parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East and West Sussex have been escalated to severe drought status.
- Experts emphasise that water conservation must be maintained throughout the winter to help replenish reservoirs for the summer.
- The average person in the UK uses about 139 litres of water per day, which experts suggest should be reduced to between 80 and 100 litres.
- Waterwise chief executive Nicci Russell warns of a forecasted five billion litre daily gap over the next two decades, requiring significant domestic and workplace efficiency.
- Practical water-saving tips include shortening shower times, turning off taps while brushing teeth, washing clothes only when dirty, and checking for household leaks.
- Innovative measures, such as ultra-low flush toilets using air and minimal water, are being explored and implemented in commercial settings like the University of Exeter.