US EditionProposals to flush your loo with rainwater to battle England's drought and unblock new homes
Proposals aim to cut water use by about 20 litres per person daily and save £100 annually on bills while supporting new housing developments, officials say.
- The Environment Department launched a consultation on September 23, 2025, to amend building regulations for new homes in England requiring water-saving features.
- Water shortages driven by climate change, population growth, and underinvestment have blocked developments, especially in areas like Cambridge, prompting urgent government action.
- Proposals aim to require house builders to install water-efficient fixtures such as taps with aerators, dual-flush toilets, and water-saving showers in newly constructed properties, helping to cut daily water usage per person by around 20 litres.
- James Wallace, CEO, highlighted that the water crisis, once anticipated, is now a reality, while Defra estimates that new homes could help families reduce their bills by up to £111 annually.
- If adopted, the measures could unlock an extra 1,000 homes for every 5,230 built and contribute to England's goal to reduce water use by 20% per person by 2038.
10 Articles
10 Articles
UK Government proposes stricter water efficiency measures for new homes
New homes in England could be fitted with mandatory water-saving showers and toilets under government proposals aimed at conserving water. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched a consultation seeking feedback on proposed changes to Building Regulations 2010, Part G. It comes as five areas of the UK still battle drought. The Environment Agency has confirmed the UK experienced the driest March to July period s…
UK Government says new efficiency rules will tackle water shortage bottlenecks and unblock stalled developments - Water Magazine
The UK Government says its strengthened water efficiency standards will boost housebuilding and keep more money in families’ pockets. The government says the new efficiency rules will tackle water shortage bottlenecks and unblock stalled developments in areas of water scarcity helping to deliver the pledge of building 1.5 million homes by 2030. A consultation launched today will propose small changes to Building Regulations that could see new ho…
Defra opens consultation for a review of Water Efficiency Standards - Bathroom Association
The government has launched a consultation on tighter water efficiency standards for new homes, arguing that small design tweaks could both cut household bills and unblock housing developments stalled by water shortages. The proposals would see Building Regulations amended so that all new-build homes incorporate basic water-saving features such as aerated taps, efficient showerheads, and dual-flush toilets. The impact, while modest on an individ…
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