Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she is taking steps with Cabinet colleagues to help (a) make new build houses water efficient, (b) increase the level of installation of (i) water re-use and (ii) grey water recycling systems and (c) offset existing water demand in each region in respect of water neutrality.

The 2023 Plan for Water details our roadmap to water efficiency, including our commitment to develop guidance for development design to minimise the pressure developments place on the water system, especially in water stressed areas. We are looking at a number of ways to improve water efficiency in homes, including developing minimum product standards (similar to energy efficiency ratings) for showers, taps, and toilets.

Our roadmap on water efficiency in new developments and retrofits sets out that we will review the Building Regulations 2010, and the water efficiency, water recycling and drainage standards. We will consider mandating a new minimum water efficiency standard for new homes in England of 105 litres per person per day and 100 litres per person per day where there is a clear local need, such as in areas of serious water stress. As well as looking at options such as rainwater harvesting, greywater re-use and storage options across many of these actions.

Our Plan for Water also sets out that we are working with the Future Homes Hub and Cranfield University in respect of water neutrality to “develop clear guidance on ‘water positive’ or ‘net zero water’ developments and roles for developers and water companies, including water company incentives”.