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Water resources long term planning

Research shows more action needed to protect against growing drought risk

An effective response to the significant and growing risk of drought in England and Wales is possible if concerted action is taken now, according to new research published by the water industry today.

Take the RNLI H2Only challenge

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is launching the H2Only campaign today which challenges people to drink nothing but water for 10 days. In 2015, RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews across the UK and Ireland rescued 7,973 people, saving 348 lives, while the charity’s lifeguards helped 18,181 people and saved 94 lives.

Awareness of plumbing notification laws

The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS), with the support of WaterSafe and UK water companies, has launched a campaign to raise awareness of plumbing notification laws.

Plastic microbeads to be banned by 2017

The Environment Secretary, Andrea Leadsom, has announced plans to ban microbeads in cosmetic and cleaning products in the UK by 2017. This follows a report by the Environmental Audit Committee highlighting the damaging impact they can have on the marine environment.

MPs call for ban on microplastics

MPs have called for a worldwide ban on plastic microbeads in cosmetic products following a report by the Environmental Audit Committee highlighting the damaging impact they can have on the marine environment.

UK Water sector: priorities post-EU referendum

Post-referendum, the water sector like all other industries is assessing the potential impacts across a range of areas. These include the strength of the UK’s economy and the ability to attract investment, legislation and regulation in the environment and other business issues.

Consumers using water more wisely

High standards for developer services maintained

The water industry has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the delivery of new homes in the UK by maintaining its high standards of service to developers.

Satisfaction with value for money increases to five year high

Satisfaction with value for money among water customers has increased to a five year high according to CCWater's annual 'Water Matters' survey, published this week.

Wet wipes turn nasty if you flush them

The Marine Conservation Society is leading a campaign to ensure wet wipes go in the bin, not down the loo. Toilets are designed for the three Ps only: poo, pee and (toilet) paper.

2015 Review of the Drinking Water Directive

Water UK supports the commitment by the European Commission to carry out a review of the Drinking Water Directive (DWD) during 2015 with the option for a full revision subsequently.

Microbeads face UK ban

The UK government has stated that it will consider a ban on plastic microbeads in personal care products such as face scrubs and shower gels. The beads are designed to exfoliate the skin, but as some are less than a millimetre wide, they can be missed by water filters after being rinsed off and travel into the sea.

Developer Services maintain high standards

The water industry is continuing to play its part in the delivery of new homes in the UK by maintaining its high standards of services to developers.

Housing and Planning Bill: Crucial clause on flood prevention

A vital new measure in the Housing and Planning Bill has been proposed by the House of Lords that will help ensure essential flood prevention measures are put in place at new housing developments.

Water: the healthy choice

The Local Government Association has reported today that the cost of removing decayed teeth in children has jumped 61% in the last five years – rising to more than £35 million a year. One solution to this problem is to encourage tap water as the default choice of hydration for the younger generations, moving them away from unhealthy sugary alternatives.

New rules for new connections

Discussions have been taking place within a Defra-convened task and finish group about a draft set of charging rules that Ofwat has prepared. The overall approach of the draft rules is to set out principles which companies’ charges for new connections must meet, leaving the design of charges in the hands of companies.

Helping customers in vulnerable circumstances

Water and energy companies are working together to ensure their customers in vulnerable circumstances get faster and easier access to the information and support they need.