The Institution of Civil Engineers North West is calling for water meters to be installed in every North West home, coinciding with today’s publication of its hard hitting annual ‘State of the Nation’ assessment of the region’s infrastructure.
ICE North West says the average person needs less than two kettles of water a day to survive. Yet the stark reality is that while an individual needs an average daily intake of just 2.5 litres to live, we consume a staggering 150 litres over the same 24 hour period.
Regional Director Alan Butler says linking water to other metered resources like gas and electricity will bring about the required sea change in making it a fundamental part of the family budget.
“The growing pressure on our regional water supplies could result in serious shortages of this vital resource as global warming increasingly shapes our weather patterns,” said Mr Butler.
“Unlimited fresh water can no longer be taken for granted as domestic consumption continues to rise. It is difficult to grasp how water shortages can occur in a climate like ours – yet unpredictable weather patterns are threatening the stability and quality of our supplies,” he added.
ICE North West points to a range of everyday consumer products which absorb copious amounts of water in their production – a vital statistic concealed within the manufacturing process:
- Bottle of soft drink = 5 litres
- Cup of coffee = 75 litres
- T-shirt = 2,000 litres
- Personal computer = 16,000 litres
- Private car = 200,000 litres
“These statistics provide a real eye-opener about the hidden role of water in sustaining our lifestyles – water that is consumed every time a car or cup of coffee is produced,” said Mr Butler.
“Many people have no idea that water plays such a key role in producing so many commodities, yet this resource will inevitably become more expensive as its ready availability declines,” he added.
ICE North West is backing a drive by United Utilities to introduce a range of practical measures that would cut domestic water consumption while maintaining our current living standards.
Mark Wilson, Engineering Director at United Utilities said: “We now offer our customers a free meter option and at present we’re installing around 40,000 per annum.
“Our research shows consumption falls where we have installed meters - however the choice to install a meter is personal and household circumstances influence the economics,” said Mr Wilson.
“We offer assistance to customers in making an informed choice by enabling them to calculate if they would be better or worse off with a meter.
“Of course a change in consumption habit can positively influence water bills and we also offer new metered customers a water-saving audit as well as a range of water-saving devices to support them.
“Perhaps less well understood is how the save changes in habit can reduce household carbon footprints and energy bills associated with water use.”
“The bottom line represents far more than just a convenient lifestyle and we need to wake up to the fact,” said Mr Butler.