A new report, commissioned by Affinity Water from thinktank DEMOS, sets out a number of policy recommendations to government on new build standards, joined up retrofitting, greywater reuse, smart metering and tariffs and on national leadership.

Flowing Forward – Safeguarding the UK’s Water System sets out a number of policy recommendations to keep the taps flowing:

1. Create a new dedicated Minister for Water to act as a national champion for water efficiency.
2.  Reinstate the National Water Council to drive a national effort around water efficiency.
3. Make water meters compulsory for all households.
4. Explore the use of rising block tariffs, providing a range of tariffs which determine the price that consumers pay based on usage.
5. Put in place more ambitious targets for new homes for water efficiency, aiming for 100 litres per person per day in water-stressed areas, and 110 litres in all other areas.
6. Ensure better training of plumbers and installers to reduce leaks and ensure maximum efficiency of products.