HC Deb 10 November 2003 vol 413 cc12-3W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the changes in the overall environmental impact of water consumption by(a) consumers and (b) industry since 1997; and what measures are being taken to reduce consumption. [136113]

Mr. Morley

The Environment Agency has a duty to secure the proper use of water resources, ensuring that a balance is maintained between the needs of water consumers and the environment. Between 1997 and 2003, household water use remained fairly stable at about 8,600 Megalitres per day, whilst non-household use fell from 4320 to 3823 Megalitres per day. The Government undertakes a range of activities to encourage sustainable water use. The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations were introduced in 1999 and set the maximum water consumption of certain domestic fittings and appliances. The Envirowise programme provides practical environmental advice to businesses to help reduce their water consumption, and the Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme has recently been extended to include designated water efficient technologies. Water companies have been set annual leakage targets since 1998 and are also under a statutory duty to promote the efficient use of water by their customers.