Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to reduce water (a) usage and (b) bills in his Department; and if he will make a statement.

The Department for Transport has reduced its overall water consumption by 8% (16,000m³) over the last 4 years and the consumption in its office environment has fallen from 7.7m³ per FTE (Full Time Equivalent) to 5.95m³ over the same period.

The Department is constantly looking at ways to reduce its water consumption and has introduced measures where there has been a viable financial and environmental benefit. These measures include rain water harvesting, water pressure reductions, dual flush toilet cisterns, sensor controlled taps and improved leak detection by improved metering.

These reductions in water usage have contributed to lower bills than would have been received if no consumption savings had been made.