The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has launched a 12-week consultation on proposals for new water efficiency labelling to protect water supplies and cut energy bills.

Based on 2019 prices, the label could save £125 million on water bills and £147 million on energy bills over 10 years, as well as 1,200 million litres of water a day – the equivalent of 480 Olympic swimming pools.

Water Minister Steve Double said:

“Water is a precious resource. We want to support consumers so they can make savings without having to make significant changes to their daily lives.

“These plans will help people to make the right choices to save water and reduce their energy bills.”

The proposals aim to introduce a separate water label from the existing energy label for display on toilets, urinals, kitchen sink taps, bathroom basin taps, non-electric shower outlet devices and shower assembly solutions, dishwashers, washing machines and combination washer/dryers.

Hot water use is the second largest use of energy in a home after space heating. Installing a water-efficient showerhead could save an average household (2.3 occupants) 3,762 litres of water, and £17.44 off their combined utility bills per year. A family of four could save 6,468 litres and about £30 off their combined energy and water bill each year.

An overview from Defra on the consultation:

We want to hear your views on our plans to introduce mandatory water efficiency labelling across all UK nations – England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. We propose to label water using products (e.g. taps, showers, toilets, dishwashers and washing machines). This consultation sets out our proposed approach, products covered by the label, label design/ features, label display and standards to support the label. The benefits of labelling for reducing impacts on the natural environment and the environmental, social and economic costs of the proposals are presented. 

The consultation closes on 25^th November 2022.

The story in WaterBriefing can be read here. The overview from Defra and a link to the consultation can be found here.