A new report is warning that the majority of the UK population are unaware that demand for water could soon outstrip supply - 72% of people believe we have enough water to meet our needs and many engage in high wastage behaviours.
The report, supported by Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of England’s Environment Agency and Simon Reeve, author and TV presenter, calls on the British public to be more conscious of their water use.
A nationwide survey of 2,000 British adults has revealed a paradox that 77% believe the UK is a ‘wet and rainy country’ – however, the reality is that the demand for water could soon outstrip supply. The survey is part of the new report - The Great British Rain Paradox - which is calling on people to take action and use water more wisely.
Despite the perception of a water-rich nation, a myriad of factors are putting strain on the UK’s water supply, says the report which has been sponsored by Finish and supported by the Love Water partnership, including the Environment Agency and Water UK, with insights from Cranfield University.
The factors include population growth, increasing household consumption and climate change, which is leading to wetter winters, but dryer summers – highlighted by the fact that February 2020 was the wettest on record and May 2020 was one of the driest.
Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of England’s Environment Agency commented:
“People might wonder how a country with such a reputation for rain like the UK could reach a tipping point where demand for water outstrips supply in just 25 years. But this may become a reality if we don’t take action to save water now.
“The fact is a convergence of factors underpinned by climate change has led us to this frightening prospect. But if we all take concerted action now we can ensure that there will be enough water to go around for generations to come.”
The survey also found that water usage is low down on the list of current environmental concerns by the public, with plastic pollution (39%), energy consumption (22%), generation of food waste (16%), and carbon footprint (11%) all considered more important than water consumption (10%).
The report also underscores how important water is for protecting health and stresses the importance of handwashing with soap and water amid COVID-19.
Interestingly, the survey also found that since the pandemic attitudes to water and the environment may be changing.
- 83% appreciate access to clean running water for handwashing more
- 82% appreciate the natural world more
- 69% are more concerned about the environment & sustainability
- 76% are more aware of human impact on the environment
- 67% are now more willing to take action to reduce their impact on the planet
Even more promising, 88% of the British public surveyed said they would be willing to reduce their daily water consumption by a third if they knew how.
The report explains that making small, everyday changes at home are vital to avoiding future pressures on water supplies. The changes include being mindful of running taps, taking shorter showers and fewer baths, and avoid pre-rinsing dishes before loading a dishwasher.
According to author and TV presenter Simon Reeve, the report should be a wake-up call for everyone in the UK. “Future water shortages will have wide-reaching consequences on life as we know it, seriously restricting everyday household activities”, he said.
Daily household water usage per person is currently on average 143 litres rising from 85 litres per person per day in the 1960s. If no action is taken between 2025 and 2050 around 3,435 million extra litres of water per day will be needed for public water supply to address future pressures.
The South East of England is facing the greatest pressures on public water supplies and if savings are not achieved it could develop a shortfall, leading to more frequent use of drought measures.
Love Water, led by the Environment Agency and Water UK, alongside its coalition of environmental supporters including businesses, water companies and regulators, together with Finish, seek to ensure that the British public have the knowledge to make small changes which together add up to a big impact.
Click here to download The Great British Rain Paradox
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