UK Plans Mandatory Water-Saving Fixtures in New Homes to Address Drought and Boost Housing

The UK government is consulting on new building regulations that would require water-saving features such as aerated taps, showerheads, and dual-flush toilets in new homes, aiming to reduce water use by about 20 litres per person per day and save households around £100-£111 annually. These measures are intended to help unblock stalled housing developments, particularly in water-scarce areas like Cambridge and north Sussex, by addressing water demand barriers that have prevented new construction. The proposals support the government's goal to reduce per capita water consumption in England by 20% by 2038 and contribute to building 1.5 million homes by 2030. The government asserts that these changes will have minimal impact on user experience while protecting the environment and making water bills cheaper. Additionally, innovations such as using harvested rainwater for toilet flushing are being considered for future inclusion. Experts highlight that such efficiency measures could be highly effective and encourage that similar opportunities should be extended to older homes as well.