UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill has responded to the latest report from the Environment Agency assessing water companies’ annual performance by reminding the government that industry is driving forward change with a growing portfolio of water-efficient products.
Yvonne said, “In publishing this data the government hopes to shine a light on the water saving issue and calls on water companies to take action on leaks.
“Water companies can increase water efficiency and reduce leaks but we must tackle both sides of the equation by reducing demand as well as increasing supply. The Unified Water Label is well accepted by industry and associated with innovative products that encourage changes in human behaviour, which will have a significant impact on reducing water use.
“The Environment Act has set an ambitious target to reduce water use in England by 20% per head of population by 2037-38 from 2019-2020 levels. These targets are a long way from being met, and this is where industry can lead the way with innovative water saving products, and the Unified Water Label.
“With a focused communication programme, alongside the Unified Water Label, consumer behaviour can be influenced to educate and inform to help them make smarter choices. The government should consider an incentive program to support industry and encourage consumers to replace the old with new, more efficient products. The greatest saving will be achieved by changing behaviour.
“Government has repeatedly omitted any mention of a campaign to influence consumer behaviour when addressing water efficiency, and this is something that the UWLA has been addressing since the scheme’s inception.
“Industry is leading the way and the UWLA is fully committed to helping government address the issue of water efficiency, but government needs to understand how much industry has achieved and work together towards our goals.
“The Unified Water Label Association is stepping up its campaign to lobby government to adopt the existing Unified Water Label as the proposed mandatory label and take on board its ideas to influence consumer behaviour.”
