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No hydraulic impacts due to implementation of greywater was identified on catchment flows, according to research from Cranfield University.

Current water use is unsustainable and water funding, costs and provision can no longer be taken for granted but must be identified as a political priority.

Current water use is unsustainable and water funding, costs and provision can no longer be taken for granted but must be identified as a political priority.

Major strains on water supply and increased flood risk linked to climate change threaten, particularly in the South East of England, yet only now is the full extent of the potential crisis prompting a fundamental rethink of Government water and housing policy, with sustainable building best-placed to exploit the much stricter regime. Dr Paul K Hatchwell investigates the implications

Major strains on water supply and increased flood risk linked to climate change threaten, particularly in the South East of England, yet only now is the full extent of the potential crisis prompting a fundamental rethink of Government water and housing policy, with sustainable building best-placed to exploit the much stricter regime. Dr Paul K Hatchwell investigates the implications.

The Environmental Industries Commission has published a report calling for the Government to ensure the uptake of sustainable urban drainage systems in all new developments.

DEFRA is consulting on measures to improve surface water drainage to help resolve existing improvements and to prepare for climate change.

An independent review of metering and charging, new building regulations with a minimum water standard for new buildings, a review of regulations on fittings and extension of the Water Saving Group to the industrial and commercial sectors are among the recommendations of DEFRA’s water strategy.

The Environmental Industries Commission has published a report calling for the Government to ensure the uptake of sustainable urban drainage systems in all new developments. SUDS: Overcoming the Barriers says such systems should be required by building regulations in all new developments and planning guidance should set SUDS as a standard requirement. It says the right to connect surface water drainage to public sewers should be repealed and guidance on adopting sewers revised, and that one body should be responsible for all urban flood risk.

An independent review of metering and charging, new building regulations with a minimum water standard for new buildings, a review of regulations on fittings and extension of the Water Saving Group to the industrial and commercial sectors are among the recommendations of DEFRA’s water strategy.

The Environment Agency, Waterwise and East of England Development Agency have opened a regional centre of excellence for water efficiency in Thetford. Focusing on development and the built environment, it will work with developers to improve standards in new housing and with a range of organisations to tackle them in existing homes in England’s driest region. “Our centre of excellence for water efficiency is going to be working with the East of England Water Partnership and the Regional Climate Change Partnership to ensure our future supply,” said East of England minister Barbara Follett.

The water industry is calling for changes to the planning process so that water companies are involved at an early stage in urban development proposals. In a policy paper, the industry association Water UK said that “early consultation and consideration of the impact of development on water services within the planning system is vital”.