Local water resources –availability and pressuresClaire Anderson & Claire Walker Principal Environment Planning Officers - Water Resources17th November

Water, water everywhere?

Current pressure on the water environment

Future pressures on water resources

1) Population and growth

Another 20 million by 2050?3 million new homes by 2020Worst case scenario – 13 more Kielder Reservoirs or 30 more Rutland Waters

Reduced resourcesLower river flowsShorter season for recharging groundwaterMore vulnerability to flooding and droughtIncreased demandsChanges to qualityA different environment

Future pressures on water resources

2) Climate change

Future pressures on water resources

Climate changeAdd climate change maps

Changing legislation: Trickle Irrigation

Currently exempt from the need for a water abstraction licenceLikely to become licensable from October 2010.After this date all current and future TI operations will need to apply for an abstraction licenceOne year transition period

In summary……..Water is already scarcePressures will increase from population growthClimate change will further increase these pressuresWe need to act on what we know the future will bring, and plan for what the future might bringYOU need to act to ensure water for YOUR business

How?

EfficiencyAuditing/ benchmarkingLeak checking

• no flow/ meter alarmsIrrigation schedulingNew technologies

• Irrigation technologies• Reuse/ recycle

How?

Security of supplyReservoirs

Education/ rights/ communicationWater Abstractor Groups

Alternative sourcesRainwaterDirectly abstractedMains

Water Efficiency Awards

2007

Your challenge

Understand the VALUE of water to your businessUnderstand the COST of water wastage to your business (including energy costs from pumping etc.)Increase efficiencyONLY THEN consider alternative supplies

Our Offer….

Support, education and advice on water efficiencyPromote use of high flow storage reservoirsEncourage water abstractor groups (WAGS)