The UK’s Water Future Is in Our Hands
Why Water Reuse Matters
Saving water is our why. It drives us to push for water reuse in every new building and to make sure systems keep working long after they’re installed. With a 5 billion litre daily water shortfall predicted by 2055, we can’t afford to wait. Reusing water isn’t just smart – it’s how we protect our future. Join us in making every drop count.
Of water saved through Stormsaver Water Reuse Systems per year
Of water produced every day for England
Of additional water needed every day by 2055
Of the national deficit will be solved by saving water
Of the national water deficit can be solved by water reuse
More rainfall than the net consumption of the UK population
New homes being built in the next 5 years
New commercial properties constructed in the UK per year
The Case for Water Reuse
Water Challenges in the UK
A Forecasted Water Deficit
Serious Water Stress
Rising Demand and a Changing Climate
Drought Planning
The UK is facing a future where water could become one of our scarcest resources. The National Planning Framework projects that by 2055 we’ll need an extra 5 billion litres of water every single day.
Many assume that building new reservoirs will fix the problem, but this simply isn’t true. In fact, around 60% of the gap must be closed through saving water and improving efficiency. The solution isn’t just about finding more water – it’s about using what we already have far more wisely.
Large parts of England are already under immense strain. The Environment Agency has classified much of the country as “seriously water stressed” – meaning demand is dangerously close to outstripping supply.
Water companies like Thames Water, Anglian Water, Affinity Water, Severn Trent, and Southern Water are all operating under this critical pressure. This is a wake-up call. If we don’t act now, the taps of tomorrow may not run as freely as they do today.
Population growth is another major challenge. By 2055, England will need to provide a reliable water supply for 8 million more people. At the same time, climate change is disrupting our water cycle.
Unsustainable water abstraction damages our rivers, wetlands, and wildlife habitats – and must be dramatically reduced. Already, 351 million litres per day of the national water shortfall comes directly from cutting back unsustainable abstraction. Protecting nature and ensuring we have enough water go hand in hand.
Hotter, drier summers are becoming the new normal, leaving us with longer periods where little rain replenishes our supplies. To prepare, water companies are required to be resilient to a 1-in-500-year drought by 2040. But resilience isn’t just their responsibility – it’s ours too.
This is where rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling become game-changers. By reusing water for non-drinking purposes – like flushing toilets, irrigation, or washing – we can save precious drinking water for when we need it most. Every litre of rainwater or greywater we reuse eases the pressure on reservoirs, safeguards our rivers, and helps ensure a secure water future.
A Forecasted Water Deficit
The UK is facing a future where water could become one of our scarcest resources. The National Planning Framework projects that by 2055 we’ll need an extra 5 billion litres of water every single day.
Many assume that building new reservoirs will fix the problem, but this simply isn’t true. In fact, around 60% of the gap must be closed through saving water and improving efficiency. The solution isn’t just about finding more water – it’s about using what we already have far more wisely.
Serious Water Stress
Large parts of England are already under immense strain. The Environment Agency has classified much of the country as “seriously water stressed” – meaning demand is dangerously close to outstripping supply.
Water companies like Thames Water, Anglian Water, Affinity Water, Severn Trent, and Southern Water are all operating under this critical pressure. This is a wake-up call. If we don’t act now, the taps of tomorrow may not run as freely as they do today.
Rising Demand and a Changing Climate
Population growth is another major challenge. By 2055, England will need to provide a reliable water supply for 8 million more people. At the same time, climate change is disrupting our water cycle.
Unsustainable water abstraction damages our rivers, wetlands, and wildlife habitats – and must be dramatically reduced. Already, 351 million litres per day of the national water shortfall comes directly from cutting back unsustainable abstraction. Protecting nature and ensuring we have enough water go hand in hand.
Drought Planning
Hotter, drier summers are becoming the new normal, leaving us with longer periods where little rain replenishes our supplies. To prepare, water companies are required to be resilient to a 1-in-500-year drought by 2040. But resilience isn’t just their responsibility – it’s ours too.
This is where rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling become game-changers. By reusing water for non-drinking purposes – like flushing toilets, irrigation, or washing – we can save precious drinking water for when we need it most. Every litre of rainwater or greywater we reuse eases the pressure on reservoirs, safeguards our rivers, and helps ensure a secure water future.
Water Saving Potential
How much water can be saved...
Domestic
If all new 6.25 million new homes built between 2030-2055 included water reuse, this could save 375 M/L per day. 375 megalitres per day is the equivalent to filling 1.5 million bathtubs every day or 150 Olympic sized swimming pools.
Commercial
If all new 65,000 new commercial properties built between 2030-2055 included water reuse, this could save 650 M/L per day. 650 megalitres per day is the equivalent to filling 2.6 million bathtubs every day or 260 Olympic sized swimming pools.
Total Saving
1,025 M/L per day saved every day through water reuse – 20.5% of the national deficit. 1,025 megalitres per day is the equivalent to filling 4.1 million bathtubs every day or 410 Olympic sized swimming pools.
Our Campaign
Water Reuse in All New Buildings by 2030
If we are serious about securing our water future, water reuse must be standard in all new buildings from 2030. Installing rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling at construction is far more cost-effective than retrofitting, which can be up to 60% more expensive and delivers smaller savings. Every new home or workplace built without reuse is a missed opportunity – locking us into higher costs and wasted resources for decades.
What are we doing to help make this a reality?
-
Supporting the UK Water Reuse Association by contributing to Government Steering Groups.
-
Campaigning to policymakers for mandatory water reuse in all new UK buildings.
-
Showcasing real-world case studies that highlight the water-saving potential of reuse systems.
-
Collaborating with the Future Homes Hub and other partners to promote estate-wide communal reuse solutions.
-
Equipping Design Engineers with best practices through CPD training and resources.
Together, we can secure Water Supplies
Our Collective Responsibility
Developers
Lead the way by championing water reuse technologies and making them standard in every new building.
Design Engineers
Recommend water reuse to your clients with confidence, challenge objections, and design systems that truly maximise savings, not just tick a compliance box.
Facility Managers
Protect long term water savings through consistent aftercare. Planned preventative maintenance keeps systems reliable and ensures every drop saved makes a difference.
