The government is committed to creating environmental headroom for growth. ​​​A failure to implement water demand management measures in response to water scarcity could result in over 61,000 houses not being built costing the economy £25 billion this parliamentary term. Increasing the water efficiency of housing offers opportunities to reduce the risk of planning constraints on new developments due to water scarcity risks.  

As well as enabling homes to be water efficient as part of the statutory Water Demand Target. The target is underpinned by a commitment to lower water usage in homes, to achieve a usage of at least 122 litres per person per day (l/p/d) by 2038, on a trajectory to 110 l/p/d by 2050.   

Defra is working with MHCLG to explore whether the Building Regulations 2010 could be amended to tighten water efficiency standards and enable consumers to use less water and save on their water and energy bills. In February 2024 they commissioned independent research to investigate what needs to be in place to enable tighter water efficiency standards, and conducted a series of stakeholder engagement sessions with a core group of Developers, Water Companies, University Experts and Regulators; which helped to shape this review.

This public consultation includes an option to revise the minimum Water Efficiency Standard in new houses through fittings from 125 l/p/d to 105 l/p/d, and the optional technical standard from 110 l/p/d to 100 l/p/d. It includes a call for evidence on water reuse systems in new developments, to enable even greater water efficiency.

This Government is keen to hear your views to help shape this review of Water Efficiency Standards in the Building Regulations 2010. They are consulting on proposals to tighten the Water Efficiency Standards to ensure that new housing developments are built to be more water efficient.