Let’s all be wise about water.
Our region could be hit by water shortages by 2050. On average, we use 142 litres of water a day in our homes in the UK, though almost 70% of people believe they use less than 60 litres.
Water is a precious, powerful substance. It’s something that’s easy to take for granted. Changing weather patterns significantly affects how much is available and when. Fortunately, there are many solutions and all of society can play a part.
When there’s enough water it’s the source of life. It provides nourishment and hydration for all living organisms on this planet. It offers spaces and places for us to relax, habitats for wildlife, growing food and transporting of goods. It also helps us to wash, dispose of our excreta, and even generate electricity.
Too much water can destroy dwellings, livelihoods and take away life. Too little water impacts wildlife, agriculture, businesses and at home. In fact, water scarcity is linked to 10% of the rise in global migration.
In Norfolk, water demand is increasing and the region is classified as ‘severely water stressed’. With climate change there’s more variability in rainfall and temperature, leading to more droughts and floods. Other impacts are rising sea levels and increased coastal erosion.
At a regional level Water Resources East is pioneering a collaborative approach with all the major water-using industries (agriculture, energy, housing etc.) to address the challenge. This will maximise benefits for our environment and other sectors.
At a micro-scale (in homes, schools and businesses), water efficiency is an essential component. This covers conserving water, minimising wastage and reusing water as much as possible. To calculate how much water you use, discover small actions and likely savings, look at How to save water – Waterwise. The website also gives water efficiency approaches for schools and businesses.
Buying pre-loved clothes and refurbished goods are useful ways to conserve water as it puts less pressure on water supplies. For example, producing one cotton t-shirt requires approximately 2,700 litres of water. That’s equivalent to 49 baths full of water!
To reduce local flood risk, there’s a suite of solutions to suit local conditions. One very effective method is slowing the speed that rain runs off and away from buildings and land such as connecting a water butt to your roof gutter and then using the water on your garden, or even to flush your toilet.
The Environment Agency has a national strategy for flood and coastal erosion risk. It gives a vision for our nation to be ready for, and resilient to, flooding and coastal change – today, tomorrow and to the year 2100. The strategy empowers risk management authorities to collaborate. For example, Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils are testing new ways to address flood resilience and drought risk – see Reclaim The Rain. The website also has useful information on types of flooding and who is responsible.
The more we work together and be wise about water, the better our town will cope with a changing climate.
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