Following the publishing of the Independent Water Commission’s final report today, Kevin Wellman, Chief Executive Officer at the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) said:
"The Independent Water Commission’s final report shines a light on how the UK water industry has reached the point at which it finds itself today. For too long, consumers have footed the bill of ineffective water management. With water poverty at its highest ever level, it’s now key for government, the water companies and regulators to take the much-needed steps to agree upon the actions required to give consumers and the environment the water that the country needs.
“Forming a central pillar of our 2025 – 27 manifesto, the CIPHE has long called for water conservation and supply to be made a priority by the government. Only then can measures be put in place to actively protect consumers from spiralling water bills, poverty and insecurity. It is becoming increasingly important to both use water wisely, and to save water safely.
“Additionally, and whilst water is now at the front of mind for consumers and bill-payers, the CIPHE implores the government to:
- Introduce a mandatory water label to boost consumer knowledge around water conservation and efficiency in the home;
- Educate the public on the need for high quality plumbing systems to reduce both water usage and energy bills;
- Promote schemes to help those experiencing water poverty, including free and subsidised measures from water companies;
- Mandate education and Continuing Professional Development for all apprentices and installers to ensure they are sufficiently competent to recognise and rectify plumbing leaks around the home;
- Direct support and investment into environmentally targeted projects.
“Irrespective of the government’s next steps, what won’t change is the central role of plumbing professionals in preserving and strengthening the water supply. A nationwide rollout of smart meters will also undoubtedly lead to identification of leaks currently allowed to persist and will incentivise consumer action. It will be the plumbing industry that steps up to provide the solutions and fixes that reduce the amount of water that is currently being lost.
“Whatever it decides to do next, the government needs to ensure it acts in the public’s interest and considers impacts on those professionals on the ground who are helping consumers and homeowners navigate an uncertain future when it comes to water.”