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Reports on water companies
International comparisons - water efficiency: results for 2006-07 Key conclusions
Figure 9 shows the per capita consumption (PCC) in a range of countries. PCC is difficult to determine accurately because it is difficult to know how occupancy is measured, how consumption is monitored and the way that leakage is included in the calculation. The Environment Agency in England and Wales is currently undertaking a study to improve international comparisons of PCC. We have recently published the outcome of a study into variations of PCC estimates across England and Wales. In the Netherlands, household water consumption per head decreased by about 10% between 1995 and 2004. This has been attributed to increased installation of low water-use toilets, shower heads and washing machines rather than any specific action by the water companies. The PCC is the lowest of the countries compared. England and Wales has the second-lowest PCC of the countries compared. This reflects the fact that PCC in England and Wales is an average of metered and unmetered consumption. It is therefore weighted towards the higher unmetered PCC because most consumption in England and Wales is unmetered. In 2006-07, the water and sewerage sectors in England and Wales increased expenditure on water efficiency activities by 24% to £31 million. The volume of water saved increased by 40% (65 megalitres per day – Ml/d – compared with 46 Ml/d in 2005-06). The key driver for the increase in expenditure and water savings was the drought in summer 2006 and companies' efforts to raise consumers' awareness about the need to use water wisely. Scotland has a comparable unmetered PCC to England and Wales. In Australia, water restrictions in response to the drought have limited outdoor water use and as a result have cut household PCC. Australian companies are also promoting water efficiency campaigns and programmes to reduce water use. For instance, Sydney Water has introduced a variety of water efficiency programmes (for example, Waterfix and rainwater tank rebate schemes). Increasingly, water companies in Australia are also recycling water to improve their supply situation. In 2006-07, the water companies we compared saved 195 Ml/d through water recycling. One company in Canada reported that it was promoting a water conservation programme because of the 50% increase in demand for water during the summer.  |
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Water efficiency |
Water efficiency - results for 2006-07
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