ENVIRONMENT AGENCY PUSH FOR UNIVERSAL WATER METERING

According to Barbara Young, chief executive of the Environment Agency "Evidence shows that metering, cuts water consumption by at least ten per cent."

The Environment Agency was commenting on the government's Water Strategy for England publication, which highlighted the need for new houses to be fitted with water efficient appliances. These could include things like water butts attached to down pipes in order to collect rainwater.


Barbara Young, chief executive of the EA, said that, although pleased the government recognised the need for compulsory metering where water was scarce, she wanted to see a "far greater level of urgency put on introducing it".

"The government has set a timescale which looks to introduce universal metering in water stressed areas before 2030... this is not remotely early enough," she said.

Other ways of saving water include using a watering can instead of a hosepipe where possible and mulching your garden regularly to reduce evaporation.