The Environment Act set a target to reduce the use of public water supply per person by 20% by the end of March 2038, a quarter of that has apparently been achieved so far, but climate change and population growth are putting a tremendous strain on resources and this year’s drought is a stark reminder that we all need to be more mindful of our consumption. The current amount of water taken out of rivers, lakes and groundwaters is not sustainable. Then up to 19% of the water for customers leaks away before reaching the customer’s taps, despite these being the lowest leakage levels for 20 years.  The Environment Agency has called on everyone, including water companies, regulators, and consumers to play their part to use our water wisely.

While there’s been some heavy rainfall recently, many areas are still in drought following record-low rainfall this year (this spring was the driest in 132 years, this summer the hottest since records began in 1884), with the EA warning of potentially worsening conditions next year.

The linked article contains further details, some data on domestic water use and a number of autumn/winter water saving tips.