Archived press release

Foe unveils water plan to save the environment while prescott holds summit

19 May 1997

Embargoed: 00:01 Hours, Monday 19 May 1997

FOE UNVEILS WATER PLAN TO SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT AS PRESCOTT HOLDS SUMMIT

Friends of the Earth (FOE) today (Monday 19 May) - the day of the Government's water summit - published details showing how a water conservation programme could save 30 per cent of current water use. The programme, which would involve reducing leakage levels and investing in water conservation measures, is also more cost-effective than developing new resources such as reservoirs.

Using the industry's own assessment of 'economic' leakage levels [1] (repairing leaks to a level of 4.05 litres/property/hour), 3.1 billion litres of water a day could be saved.And in combination with other water conservation measures - such as fitting houses with low flush toilets and water butts - current water use could be reduced by at least 30 per cent.

Under the programme, schemes such as Thames Water's plans for a new reservoir at Abingdon at a cost of hundreds of millions of pounds to water customers, would not be needed. Reduction of leakage in the Thames region to 4.05 litres/property/hour would save 835 million litres of water every day.

FOE's plan also outlines other measures including short term programmes such as free water conservation appliances for customers, urinal controllers, water audits for industry and water efficient washing machines. The water industry could also offer vouchers towards water-efficient washing machines and invest in long term support for water conservation measures amongst industrial customers.

Tony Juniper, Campaigns Director of FOE said:

"Our environment is threatened because water companies and farmers abstract so much water and then waste it. Over 350 wildlife sites including rivers and wetlands have been identified as under threat due to over-abstraction. We need real investment in water conservation from the industry not just a few leaflets and PR campaigns."

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Tony Juniper continued:

"We urge Mr Prescott to put the needs of customers and the environment first and to develop a national water saving plan. Friends of the Earth's research shows that just a few simple measures can reduce the demand for water. There are many other measures that can be taken too, but they all need political commitment to make them work."

Today's Water Summitt has been called by the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott,to explore ways of dealing with current and long-term water problems. Those invited include the water industry, consumer groups and environmentalists. Tony Juniper of FOE will be amongst those attending. Before the election Labour committed itself to'end the waste' in water [2].

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS
[1] According to the industry reducing leakage to 4.05 litres/property/hour would cost between 30% and 60% of the cost of developing new resources.

[2] Labour said in its pre-election 'water manifesto' Ending the Waste that it would require 'tough mandatory leakage targets'. It has not, however, stated what those targets should be. It also said Labour will: 'promote the development and use of water-efficient devices in the home, such as dual-flush toilets, water-efficient washing machines and dishwashers'. It is FOE's view that these can only be effectively'promoted' through a significant investment programme from the industry installing low flush toilets free of charge, installing water butts free of charge and giving vouchers towards waste-efficient washing machines and showers.

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