The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has proposed new water efficiency rules for new build homes, which could save families £111 annually on utility bills. The measures aim to address water shortages that have been hindering housebuilding plans.
Under the proposals, new homes would be required to include water-saving features such as aerated taps, aerated showerheads, and dual flush toilets. Government analysis suggests these changes could save around 20 litres of water per person per day, leading to financial savings of £111 per year on energy and water bills.
The plan is intended to free up water reserves for future housebuilding projects, supporting the government's pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2030. A 12-week consultation on the proposals begins on September 23.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “We are getting Britain building faster, and a key element to growth is smarter water consumption. Removing the water shortage barriers that have stalled development for too long will mean unlocking thousands of new homes while saving families money.”
The measures would modify existing Building Regulations 2010 Part G2, which ministers have deemed insufficient for current housing and water conservation challenges. Other innovations, such as using harvested rainwater for flushing toilets, are also being considered.
