How can plumbers help meet UK water efficiency targets?

By 2050, the UK needs to save billions of litres of water per day – but what can plumbers and installers do to play their part?

That was the topic of discussion on the Future of Water Panel at June’s InstallerSHOW, featuring Julie Spinks, Director of WaterSafe and Managing Director of Water Regs UK.

Climate change is leading to hotter and drier summers; alongside population growth this means many parts of the UK could face significant water deficits by 2050.

Therefore, action needs to be taken to save water now, not just by water companies but by organisations, consumers and installers too.

Here’s how plumbers and installers can support customers to reduce their household water use to 110 litres per person, per day by 2050, in line with government targets, and what the new government can do to continue on its water efficiency roadmap:

Empowering consumers through water-efficient choices

Plumbers are in a unique position to influence consumer choices. According to a Water Regs UK survey, 28 per cent of consumers let their plumber choose products for them, and this figure rises to 40 per cent for non-household premises.

By recommending and installing water-efficient products, plumbers can significantly help their customers to reduce water usage. Additionally, plumbers play a vital role in finding and fixing leaks, which is essential for water conservation.

Providing water efficiency advice

Consumers are increasingly looking to their plumbers for advice on water efficiency.

A WaterSafe survey revealed 26 per cent of consumers would like advice from their plumber, while 39 per cent prefer advice from their water company. Interestingly, in a 2023 survey, an impressive 94 per cent of Water Industry Approved Plumbing Scheme (WIAPS) plumbers said they provide some water efficiency advice, although some do so only when asked.

This highlights the need for proactive advice from plumbers to support consumers with water-saving practices.

Enhancing training programmes

To ensure plumbers are up to date with the latest water regulations and standards, training programmes must be continuously improved. Recently, water companies updated their guidance and retired the outdated water regulations guide.

Compliance with the regulations is a legal requirement and essential to prevent waste and protect against contamination.

This new guidance is simplified, free, and accessible to all, making it easier for plumbers to stay informed. It includes useful booklets and FAQs on specific installation types, such as bathroom backflow risks, to further enhance installers’ knowledge.

I’d encourage all installers to familiarise themselves with the new guidance on the Water Regs UK website – and get in touch if they feel there is anything missing.

Policy interventions

I urge the new government to maintain a strong commitment to water efficiency. The last government established an ambitious roadmap to reduce water use, and it is crucial not to lose momentum.

WaterSafe and Water Regs UK also support the implementation of the Mandatory Water Efficiency Label to give consumers better information about how much water products use.

Also key will be the tightening of building regulations to set maximum use standards for water-using products in new homes.

A mixture of policy interventions, consumer education and upskilling installers is needed if we are to dramatically reduce water consumption over the next 25 years and beyond.