HC Deb 03 March 2003 vol 400 cc784-5W
Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much water was supplied by water companies to consumers in the last year for which figures are available; what this represents per household; and what percentage of tap water supplied is estimated to be used for drinking purposes. [99275]

Mr. Morley

In 2001–02 a total of 8,622 million litres of water per day were delivered to households. This represents an average consumption of 150 litres per person per day. Further details are contained in the Ofwat report "Security of supply, leakage and the efficient use of water 2001–02", a copy of which is in the Library of the House. It is estimated that around 4 per cent. of water supplied to households is used for drinking and cooking purposes.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much water was used by(a) domestic, (b) business and (c) industry sectors, in each year since 1992; and what the total water use was in each of these years. [99276]

Mr. Morley

As a proportion of water put into the public supply, about 56 per cent. is delivered to domestic customers, 14 per cent. to businesses and 11 per cent. to industrial users. Total water use since 1992, shown in megalitres per day, is as follows:

Year Megalitres per day
1992–93 10,807
1993–94 10,686
1994–95 10,799
1995–96 11,327
1996–97 11,117
1997–98 12,511
1998–99 12,208
1999–00 12,370
2000–01 12,333
2001–02 12,493

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many(a) homes and (b) businesses are fitted with water saving devices, with particular reference to (i) hippos and (ii) cistern and flush controls. [99277]

Mr. Morley

Since 1999, 840,287 cistern devices, including Hippos, have been installed in households by water companies or their customers. Since 1996, 29,542 water audits of commercial premises have been completed by water companies, but no data are available on specific measures implemented as a result. These activities were carried out as part of water companies' legal duty to promote the efficient use of water by their customers. Further details are contained in the Ofwat report 'Security of supply, leakage and the efficient use of water 2001–02', a copy of which is in the Library of the House.