The UK’s water supply is under significant threat, with projections indicating that demand could meet available supply levels by 2032 and exceed supply by 20361.Importantly, an independent nationwide survey commissioned by Affinity Water revealed that 70% of the UK population believes the nation is either already at risk of drought or will face such a risk within the next ten years. The nationwide survey results also indicates that under severe climate change scenarios, UK river flows could decrease by up to 30% by 2055. According to the National Audit Office2, extreme weather, similar to that experienced in July 2022 is expected to become the norm in coming years. Experiencing the driest summer in nearly 90 years has significantly weakened our water resilience. This, combined with the frequent and severe flooding during recent Winters, has overwhelmed infrastructure and further strained water resources. Consequently, the overall water supply is struggling to keep up with the national demand.
As the UK faces an ever-increasing potential for mass water shortages, Affinity Water has launched a new guidebook offering innovative and practical solutions to help households save water and protect the environment long term.
“We aim to share inspiring ideas through simple yet effective designs that our customers and the UK, as a whole, can readily implement to preserve water. From fixing leaks to protecting the nation’s homes, these efforts will help us conserve this vital resource,” said James Curtis, Head of Leakage at Affinity Water.
He continued, “This guidebook provides innovative and practical solutions to help households save water and protect the environment. By embracing these measures, we can collectively make a meaningful difference in safeguarding our water resources for future generations. At Affinity Water, we are dedicated to creating water-efficient and sustainable homes.”
Alongside the guidebook, Affinity Water is rolling out its first-ever Smart Meter system, where customers will be able to monitor water consumption. The real-time, detailed insights into water usage can be viewed online through My Account to help households monitor their usage and reduce wastage. The Smart meter roll-out not only saves water but empowers households with real-time insights, helping everyone play their part in the UK’s water conservation story.
Affinity Water’s guidebook addresses the urgent issue of diminishing water supplies by providing a range of accessible solutions for reducing water usage. From installing low-flow fixtures and rainwater harvesting systems to implementing greywater recycling and smart irrigation. The guidebook offers practical advice for every household, particularly as water-smart design in the home can be simple and affordable.
Here are some easy ways to get started, as highlighted in the guidebook:
1. Installing Low-Flow Fixtures: Replace existing taps, showerheads, and toilets with low-flow models. These fixtures can significantly reduce water usage without sacrificing performance.
2. Add Tap Aerators: Aerators, which can be screwed onto existing taps, are designed to reduce water flow while maintaining pressure.
3.Upgrade to Water-Efficient Appliances: When it comes times to upgrade your appliances, consider replacing old dishwashers and washing machines with water-efficient models. Look for appliances with the WaterSense label.
4. Rainwater Harvesting: Set up a rainwater harvesting system to collect and store rainwater for use in the garden. This can be as simple as installing a water butt, or even just leaving your watering can out in the rain, so it collects rainwater organically.
5. Drought-Resistant Landscaping: Replace water intensive plants with native or drought-resistant species that require less water.
When formulating the guidebook, Affinity Water consulted expert architect Michael Pawlyn to discuss his philosophy on designing water efficiency into the home. Michael provides examples of ambitious, future-thinking water-smart designs, as well as practical applications for today.
Michael Pawlyn, Founder of Exploration Architects said “When thinking about the future – whether that’s the future of water, wildlife or cities - we need to think about how we can shape that future. As citizens, as companies and, increasingly as both of those working together, we can determine what kind of future our children will inherit.”
It is also important to highlight that one of the biggest culprits of water loss in the home is through hidden leaks. To help consumers identify and repair hidden leaks, Affinity Water worked with the Bowen’s earlier in the year to promote the ‘Look and Listen’ test to help consumers identify hidden water leaks in the home, more on which can be found in the guidebook. Affinity Water are offering free visits from trained professionals to help Affinity Water customers identify leaks and repair them.
Water Saving House Guidebook
Alex and Olivia Bowen said “We’re thrilled to partner with Affinity Water and support their mission to promote water conservation. The ‘Water-Saving House of the Future’ guidebook has been incredibly helpful as we plan our future renovation projects. It’s packed with practical tips and innovative solutions that make it easy to incorporate water-saving measures into our home design. From installing low-flow fixtures to exploring greywater recycling, the guidebook has inspired us to make sustainable choices that not only benefit the environment but also enhance the value and efficiency of our home.”
Book a FREE Leak Repair Visit today
Affinity Water is working closely with communities across their region to identify hidden leaks, conserve water, and build resilience for future challenges.
To read more about Affinity Water’s water saving initiatives, and better understand your water footprint, you can visit Save Our Streams.
Source: National Audit Office, Water supply and demand management, 11 June 2020, https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Water-supply-and-demand-management.pdf