UK Policies for water saving and water treatment

Water Industry Act, 1991

This legislation provides the framework for regulating the water industry in England and Wales, including provisions for water conservation, efficiency and environmental protection. It empowers water companies to implement water-saving measures, invest in infrastructure upgrades and manage water resources sustainably.

Urban Wastewater Treatment (England and Wales) Regulations, 1994

This aims to protect the environment from the adverse effects of untreated urban wastewater. The main requirements of the regulations are the establishment of systems to collect wastewater from towns and cities; the secondary treatment of collected wastewater; the identification of sensitive areas (for example, areas susceptible to eutrophication); and more stringent treatment of wastewater discharged to sensitive areas.

Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations, 1999

These regulations set standards for water fittings and appliances to promote water efficiency and reduce wastage in domestic and non-domestic buildings. They specify requirements for water-saving devices such as taps, showers, toilets and urinals, helping to conserve water and lower water bills for consumers.

Water Framework Directive (WFD), 2000

The Water Framework Directive is a European Union directive that establishes a framework for the protection and management of surface waters, including rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters.

Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) Regulations

The Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations in England (2000), Scotland (2012), Wales (2000) and Northern Ireland (2012) implement the EU's Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive, which aims to prevent and control pollution from industrial activities.

Code for Sustainable Homes, 2006

This former national standard for sustainable homebuilding included requirements for water efficiency, such as minimum standards for water consumption, rainwater harvesting systems and greywater recycling. Although the Code for Sustainable Homes was phased out in 2015, many of its principles have been integrated into other building regulations and standards.

Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR)

The Environmental Permitting Regulations in England (2007), Scotland (2007), Wales (2010) and Northern Ireland (2005) regulate the discharge of pollutants to water bodies and require businesses and industries to obtain permits for their wastewater discharges.

Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELL) and Water Label, 2007

These voluntary labelling schemes provide consumers with information about the water efficiency of household appliances, fixtures and fittings. Products that meet specified water efficiency criteria receive a label indicating their water-saving performance, helping consumers make informed choices and encouraging manufacturers to develop more water-efficient products.

25 Year Environment Plan, 2018

The government committed to achieving clean and plentiful water by improving at least 75% of the country’s waters to be close to their natural state as soon as is practicable.

Plan for Water, 2023

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Plan for Water sets out the actions the government will take to transform management of the water system, clean up the environment and create a sustainable supply of water for people, businesses and nature.

National Policy Statement for water resources infrastructure, 2023

This sets out the policies for the development of nationally significant infrastructure projects for water resources in England. It provides planning guidance for applicants planning to build nationally significant infrastructure projects for water resources.

Water conservation programs

Water companies in the UK implement water conservation programs to provide support and incentives for water-efficient behaviours. These initiatives include public education campaigns, water-saving tips, leak detection and repair programs and water-saving rebate schemes.

Metering and tariff structures

Metering enables households to monitor and manage their water usage more effectively. Additionally, tariff structures such as increasing block tariffs or seasonal pricing can further incentivise water conservation by charging higher rates for excessive water usage.

Investment in wastewater infrastructure

Investment in wastewater infrastructure has been ongoing, with specific investment programs and initiatives implemented over different years to upgrade and maintain wastewater treatment infrastructure.