CIPHE Backs Environmental Agency new Water Resources Strategy but Urges 'Education before Meters'
Commenting on the Environment Agency’s new Water Resources Strategy for England and Wales, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) Blane Judd today underlined the Institute’s ongoing commitment to promote the safe use of water.
He believes that the key is to help consumers become more aware of the ways they can directly reduce water consumption through choosing and correctly installing water efficient appliances, carrying out regular maintenance and embracing renewable technologies.
“Installing more meters alone will not tackle the root problem. Paying for the water we waste isn’t the issue and penalises those on a low income. All of the agencies involved must unite behind a major education programme to show consumers how to conserve water without the threat of financial penalty or compromising public health. Badly fitted appliances and leaky pipes are easily fixed by regular maintenance, and professional installation of water conserving devices will lead to the public using less water instead of just having to pay for using more.”
The CIPHE will soon be launching its GreenPlumb initiative to help consumers find plumbing and heating engineers who are qualified and have experience in installing renewable technologies. The institute believes that consumer confidence in these new technologies will increase as a result of successful specification and installation.
For more details on the work of the CIPHE go to www.ciphe.org.uk or contact Carol Cannavan on 01708 463114 or carolc@ciphe.org.uk.