The Essex region is a particular concern for water resources. Not only is it one of the driest areas of the country, but it is also classified as seriously water-stressed under the Environment Agency’s classification system.
In response to these challenges, the local authority published its water strategy for the Essex area in 2024. Crucially, the strategy includes a commitment to explore making water reuse a standard feature of all new planning applications going forward.
In this short article, we shine a light on the strategy, highlighting the key points relating to water reuse technologies and what this could mean for the design of future developments.
Key points
- Recommends the inclusion of water reuse technologies, including rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling, in all new developments to support water efficiency and sustainable drainage objectives.
- Recognises that, in larger properties such as commercial buildings and multi-storey residential developments, water reuse systems become particularly cost-effective.
- Reaffirms the previous position that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is committed to developing clear guidance on ‘net zero water’ communities.
- Identifies that water reuse systems are best considered during the design stage of new buildings, as retrofitting existing properties can be complex and costly.
