About the Inquiry
An inquiry to consider water resources and reuse in England
At a time when it is more important than ever to understand the benefits to the implementation of water reuse, Stormsaver is delighted to announce the sponsorship and expert contribution to the Westminster Sustainable Business Forum’s inquiry into the considertation of water resources and reuse in England, in colaboration with Policy Connect.
This report looks to inform the governent on the reform needed around the management of England’s water resources, whilst serving as a vehicle that educates the construction industry on the importance and benefits of water reuse in new developments.
“Sponsoring the 5th Bricks and Water report is a fantastic opportunity for Stormsaver. We look forward to working with Policy Connect to create a powerful document that helps the construction industry better understand the need for water-efficient buildings. 2026 has begun with water reuse at the forefront of everyone’s mind, and all stakeholders are coming together to plan how we can incorporate this in our future homes and buildings to ensure that our precious mains water is reserved for potable use only and recycled rainwater or greywater is used elsewhere. Stormsaver has advocated for change in this area for over 23 years and is confident that this report will inspire a desire to move towards utilising water reuse as standard in our new buildings.”
– Lisa Craven, Managing Director
Overview
Who are Policy Connect?
Policy Connect is a cross-party think tank that supports parliamentary groups, forums and commissions through their policy research and event programes in order to shape public policy in a way that benefits the UK and its population.
By leveraging their strengths of sector expertise, cross-party collaboration, thought leadership and stakeholder engagement, their work in education, industry, sustainability, health and accessibility ensures to serve the needs of society and improve the UK’s quality of life.
Since 2018, their work on the Bricks & Water Reports have been aiding the process of pushing for regulatory reform and legislative change around the UK’s water supply and resource management.
Summary
Bricks & Water Reports
A Plan of Action for Building Homes and Managing Water in England (2018)
Building Resilience for England’s Homes (2020)
Managing Flood Risk and Accelerating Adaptation in a Climate Emergency (2023)
Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Policy for a New Government (2025)
Focus
The structural mismatch between England’s housing growth and water management systems.
Key Findings
-
England must build large numbers of homes, but water demand may exceed supply by up to 22% by 2050.
-
Climate change and population growth could leave around 2.5 million homes at risk of flooding by 2050.
-
Governance is fragmented: housebuilders, water companies, planners, and regulators lack coordinated decision-making.
Main recommendations
-
Stronger national planning policy linking housing and water infrastructure.
-
Higher water-efficiency standards for new homes (e.g., ~100 L/person/day).
-
Wider adoption of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).
-
Better coordination between local authorities, water companies, and developers.
Focus
How homes and communities should adapt to climate-driven water risks.
Key Findings
-
One in six properties in England already faces flood risk.
-
There is a one-in-four chance of severe drought by 2050.
-
Water use in homes contributes significantly to carbon emissions (mostly from heating water).
Main recommendations
-
Introduce mandatory water-efficiency labels for appliances.
-
Make SuDS compulsory in new developments.
-
Promote property flood resilience measures (e.g., flood doors, raised electrics).
-
Track and improve the “water performance” of homes.
Focus
Accelerating flood resilience and climate adaptation.
Key findings
-
Over 10% of new homes since 2013 have been built on land at flood risk.
-
Flood risk is increasing due to climate change, urbanisation, and inadequate planning.
Main recommendations
-
Strengthen planning restrictions on flood-risk development.
-
Expand insurance-backed resilience schemes (e.g., Flood Re’s “Build Back Better”).
-
Increase investment in property-level resilience measures.
-
Improve collaboration between insurers, government, and homeowners.
Focus
Reforming national flood and coastal risk policy.
Key Findings
-
Around 6.3 million properties in England are at risk of flooding.
-
Storm events are increasing in frequency and cost.
Main recommendations
-
Reform the flood-risk planning framework.
-
Improve funding and maintenance of flood defences.
-
Address coastal erosion risks alongside inland flooding.
-
Integrate flood policy with the government’s housing growth targets.
A Plan of Action for Building Homes and Managing Water in England (2018)
Focus
The structural mismatch between England’s housing growth and water management systems.
Key Findings
-
England must build large numbers of homes, but water demand may exceed supply by up to 22% by 2050.
-
Climate change and population growth could leave around 2.5 million homes at risk of flooding by 2050.
-
Governance is fragmented: housebuilders, water companies, planners, and regulators lack coordinated decision-making.
Main recommendations
-
Stronger national planning policy linking housing and water infrastructure.
-
Higher water-efficiency standards for new homes (e.g., ~100 L/person/day).
-
Wider adoption of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).
-
Better coordination between local authorities, water companies, and developers.
Building Resilience for England’s Homes (2020)
Focus
How homes and communities should adapt to climate-driven water risks.
Key Findings
-
One in six properties in England already faces flood risk.
-
There is a one-in-four chance of severe drought by 2050.
-
Water use in homes contributes significantly to carbon emissions (mostly from heating water).
Main recommendations
-
Introduce mandatory water-efficiency labels for appliances.
-
Make SuDS compulsory in new developments.
-
Promote property flood resilience measures (e.g., flood doors, raised electrics).
-
Track and improve the “water performance” of homes.
Managing Flood Risk and Accelerating Adaptation in a Climate Emergency (2023)
Focus
Accelerating flood resilience and climate adaptation.
Key findings
-
Over 10% of new homes since 2013 have been built on land at flood risk.
-
Flood risk is increasing due to climate change, urbanisation, and inadequate planning.
Main recommendations
-
Strengthen planning restrictions on flood-risk development.
-
Expand insurance-backed resilience schemes (e.g., Flood Re’s “Build Back Better”).
-
Increase investment in property-level resilience measures.
-
Improve collaboration between insurers, government, and homeowners.
Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Policy for a New Government (2025)
Focus
Reforming national flood and coastal risk policy.
Key Findings
-
Around 6.3 million properties in England are at risk of flooding.
-
Storm events are increasing in frequency and cost.
Main recommendations
-
Reform the flood-risk planning framework.
-
Improve funding and maintenance of flood defences.
-
Address coastal erosion risks alongside inland flooding.
-
Integrate flood policy with the government’s housing growth targets.
