LONDON, Sept. 1, 2005 (GNN) -- The British Environment Minister Elliot Morley added his voice today to those welcoming an industry-led initiative to promote improved water efficiency, according to a news release issued by the UK Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and posted to the Government News Network.
Waterwise -- a new body funded jointly by water companies but acting independently of them -- has set itself the target of reversing the trend in rising demand, and reducing stress on the water supply-demand balance, within five years.
Morley commented: "Water is currently a scarce resource in some parts of the country, and looking ahead it is clear that climatic and social changes will add to the pressure on the water supply network.
"Improving the efficiency with which we use water is essential if we are to mitigate the impact of these changes, and this is a welcome commitment by the water companies to add impetus to measures already in place.
"The Government has long supported a twin track approach to meeting the balance of supply and demand, in which the full range of measures to reduce demand are pursued before improvements to the supply network are planned. Demand measures involve a range of activities to influence the habits of consumers and of businesses, and encourage the adoption of improved technology and design," he added.
"As part of the co-ordinated, collaborative approach towards ensuring a sustainable water supply, Waterwise has a welcome contribution to make."
For related information, see:
-- "UK business urged not be be a drain on nation's water supplies"
-- "UK businesses are wasting three times too much water"
-- Envirowise
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