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RD 07/01
TO REGULATORY DIRECTORS OF ALL
WATER AND SEWERAGE COMPANIES
AND WATER ONLY COMPANIES
08 May 2001
Dear Regulatory Director
Water Efficiency Plans 2000-2005
At the end of July 2000 water companies submitted to Ofwat their forward looking plans for water efficiency activity for the years 2000-2005.
Ofwat advised that companies should set out their strategies with specific regard to: - the provision of cistern devices and advice on how to use them;
- the provision of information on the efficient use of water to households, in particular advice on self-audits of household consumption;
- advice on water efficiency for institutions and schools; and
- their long-term educational strategies.
In addition basic information to business customers should be part of water companies' plans.
Companies' plans have been assessed in the light of their resource position; Ofwat has always expected companies whose resource position is classified as "tight" to be more active in promoting the efficient use of water. The plans submitted by these companies reflect this.
Ofwat is satisfied that, in the current context, the plans which companies have submitted for 2000-05 will allow them to fulfil their duty to promote the efficient use of water by their customers. However as knowledge improves and new evidence becomes available Ofwat will expect companies to take account of that and to revise their plans accordingly. It is also possible that other changes either to the regulatory regime or to the balance between supply and demand for water may occur. In these circumstances companies would need to review the role of water efficiency measures within their overall Water Resource Plans.
Attached to this letter is a report describing the contents of the plans, highlighting areas of good practice and drawing attention to areas that require further consideration or activity by the companies.
For your information, please note that following an internal reorganisation, efficient use of water is now the responsibility of the Supply/Demand Team, headed by George Day within Bill Emery's Costs and Performance Division. Any queries regarding this letter or efficient use of water should be directed to that Team from now on.
Yours sincerely
Mike Saunders
Director of Consumer Affairs
Enc | 
Letters to Regulatory Directors
