The Environment Agency recently reported that within 25 years England won’t have enough water to meet the rising demand. That’s a scary thought. But how can we, as individuals, businesses or farmers, consume less water and use it more efficiently?
Why will water shortage become a problem?
The impact of climate change, combined with population growth, means the country is facing an “existential threat”, the head of the Environment Agency recently told the Waterwise Conference in London.
He wants to see wasting water become “as socially unacceptable as blowing smoke in the face of a baby”.
To ensure we have sufficient water supplies in the future, he implied a suite of tough decisions need to be made, like persuading consumers and firms to use less water. Also, making sure we have the right infrastructure in place. For example, the creation of new reservoirs or the construction of large water pipes to transfer water to the South East.
What can we do as individuals?
At this point in time, people in England use 140 litres of water a day, the Environment Agency wants us to cut this to 100 litres by using 40 fewer litres a day*.
There are lots of things we as individuals can do to decrease water usage. For example, getting low-flush toilets, getting a water-efficient washing machine or using less water when showering or brushing our teeth.
What can we do as businesses or farmers?
Water is an essential component for many businesses and is also crucial for farmers when it comes to growing crops and looking after livestock. You only have to look back at last summer’s extended heat wave to understand the potential impact the climate can have. Maintaining supplies through the more efficient use of water will become an increasing issue in the years to come.
One example of the more efficient use of water is rainwater harvesting – the accumulation and storage of water on site, rather than allowing it to run off. This water then can be used in various ways, be it for providing drinking water to livestock or irrigating crops during a water shortage.
At Cotterill Civils, we already supply businesses and farmers with a number of different options to enable them to efficiently harvest rainwater. These range from rainwater harvesting tanks to water storage lagoons.
In the case of our farming customers, they have been able to recover up to 40% of their water costs as a result of our rainwater harvesting tanks.
We supply a wide range of sizes to suit your requirements and we can supply as well as install your rainwater harvesting tank or water storage lagoon.
Call us for expert advice on 0121 351 3230 and we’ll be happy to help!
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