The government launches its new strategy for water
"Climate change means that we will all have to value water more as we find a fairer way of paying for it," said environment secretary Hilary Benn at the launch of 'Future Water', the government’s water strategy for England.
The strategy’s proposals include:
• Water usage reduction to 120 litres per person per day by 2030 from the current level of roughly 150 litres;
• An independent review into water charging;
• Proposals to tackle surface water drainage. A consultation has been launched to take forward some of the key recommendations from Sir Michael Pitt’s report following the summer 2007 floods;
• Proposals to reduce water pollution by tackling contaminants at source;
• Action to deal with point sources of pollution (e.g. from industrial processes and sewage treatment works) and use River Basin Management Plans under the Water Framework Directive;
• Change to existing rules so that planning permission is not required for paving front gardens provided porous materials are used.
The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) welcomed the strategy, in particular the focus on surface water management plans.
"CIWEM welcomes this strategy as wising-up on water is a priority. It behoves us all to understand its true value. Rather than speeding water into our drains we need to slow it down and make space for it to percolate back into the ground to replenish the aquifers," said executive director, Nick Reeves.
"We need to change our behaviour, to use our roofs, parks, gardens and public spaces to harvest rain. We need to stop paving and decking our gardens and make them porous again. We must reclaim our wetlands, flood plains and upland woodlands, and change the way we use nitrates and phosphates. And we need to seriously consider separating our foul water from our storm water and regard sewage as a safe, sustainable and fertile resource rather than waste.
"But, most of all we must stop taking water for granted, and respect it as central to our lives. No longer can we assume inexhaustible supplies - on tap."
Alongside the strategy, the government issued a consultation on improving surface water drainage. Consultees are asked to email responses by Wednesday 30 April 2008.
