The biggest concern that the general public has regarding the UK’s water supply is pollution, followed by flooding and drought, a new survey has revealed – showing increased public awareness of the effects that climate change will have in this regard in the future.
Carried out by engineering professional services consultancy WSP, the study also found that 34 per cent of people would pay ten per cent more on water bills for better tap water,, while a further 33 per cent said they would pay more than ten per cent to protect supplies against pollution.
Interestingly, 34 per cent of survey respondents said they now feel motivated to use less water to help the environment, while 15 per cent would feel motivated by rewards for using less water.
Turning the tap off when brushing teeth is the most popular way to save water, while others are now opting for capturing rainwater to use in the garden and household, as well as taking shorter showers.
Earlier in the year, the National Audit Office said that England could be hit with droughts within 20 years unless action is taken to mitigate the risks posed by climate breakdown on water availability. By 2050, four billion litres of additional water supply would also be needed to counter the increasing risk of imbalances between growing demand and reliable supplies.
Strategic growth director of water at WSP Mike Woolgar said: “As we continue these current warmer temperatures, there may be a shift in concern towards drought and potentially restrictions on use in some areas of the country
“Water storage in the right places, whether to reduce flooding or ensure adequate water supplies during dry periods, could help the broader water sector to address these challenges.
“Clever use of more dispersed storage, for example, could help to reduce the amount of water needed in the energy intensive process of moving supply from place to place, and thus addressing the UK’s net zero challenge.”
Businesses in the UK concerned about their water stewardship can start taking action right now to reduce their reliance on mains water and help protect the environment, safeguarding this precious resource for future generations as the climate crisis deepens.
Responsible stewardship means enhancing your understanding of the risks associated with water usage and consumption so you can introduce strategies to minimise the risks and make sure your operations are sustainable now and well into the future.
Think of it as a way of continuing to make improvements where your water usage is concerned, while reducing the water-related impacts of the way you operate. It’s also your commitment to managing shared water resources sustainably by working with governments, local communities, other companies and non-government organisations.
