Mandatory Water Labelling Consultation (2022) – Waterwise Response

This is our Waterwise response to proposals to implement a mandatory water efficiency label on water using production in the UK.

We are very supportive of the proposals overall and believe they will make a significant contribution to improving water security; enhancing the environment and helping people across the UK save money on their water and energy bills.

However, we urged the government, in the forthcoming Statutory Instruments and in its planning for the scheme, to retain the option of introducing minimum “for sale” efficiency standards as used successfully in energy labelling to improve the efficacy of this scheme. Without minimum standards the scheme is likely to deliver less than a quarter of the potential water savings at an inferior benefit cost ratio.

The government also needs to commit to integrating the new water label into its Roadmap proposals for more water efficient buildings.