7.13.3.1 Households use around half of total public water supply, and water use in the home accounts for about 6% of the UK’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. Having a water meter fitted raises awareness of water usage, and results in an average reduction in household consumption of 10-15% (Environment Agency, 2009). This also results in lower fuel bills for the householder, because less water is being heated for household use, and a reduction in CO2 emissions. According to water company returns, an average of 48% of properties in the South West had water meters in 2008 / 2009; water companies plan to increase metering to an average of 66% by 2015 / 2016. As the number of properties with water meters rises, water consumption is predicted to fall from 152 litres/head/day in 2006 / 2007 to 144 l/h/d in 2015 / 2016 (Ofwat, 2009). This is moving towards the Defra vision of 130 l/h/d by 2030. In order to achieve significant reductions in demand we need to build more efficient homes, choose more water efficient white goods (such as washing machines) and use water more efficiently.
7.13.3.2 The five main water companies in the South West (Bournemouth and West Hampshire Water, Bristol Water, Cholderton and District Water, South West Water, Wessex Water) plan to reduce leakage from around 230 Ml/d in 2006 / 2007 to 222 Ml/d in 2015 / 2016. Future increases in metering could help to identify and reduce leakage further.
