Use water wisely and reap the financial benefits too, says local water advocate

22/03/2006

To mark World Water Day, the Consumer Council for Water Eastern (CCWater Eastern) is highlighting the issue of saving water and the added financial benefits that can be gained by customers.  CCWater Eastern is providing consumers with valuable water saving information, which will allow people to play their part in helping to safeguard water resources and save money on their water bills too.

Over 56% of the region’s domestic customers are already on a water meter, significantly higher than in other parts of the country.  Those who pay by meter and live alone or have a small family can pay less than those in similar circumstances who pay by rateable value. 

Catherine Harvey, Chairman of CCWater Eastern, said: “We are aware that metering is one of the tools used by water companies to maintain the supply/demand balance, and that on average consumption is reduced by 10-15% by those customers who opt for a meter. 

“We encourage everyone to try and use water as efficiently as possible.  We welcome the work undertaken by the water companies to promote the efficient use of water.”
People can help to save water by turning the tap off while brushing their teeth, Taking showers rather than baths and putting a save-a-flush device in their toilet cistern to reduce the amount of water used at each flush.  Outside the home, consumers can use a water butt to collect rainwater for use in the garden.

Your local water company is also included in the effort to conserve water.  All water companies in the region offer information about how to save water on their websites.  Other consumer information includes tips on cutting down unnecessary use of water, a DIY water survey pack and customer literature on saving water in the home.

CCW Eastern is working with the regional water companies and the Environment Agency to ensure that customers are aware of the need to use water wisely now and not wait until a drought situation occurs. 

The Consumer Council for Water is actively involved in water conservation and is part of Defra’s Water Saving Group.  For more information on saving water go to www.ccwater.org.uk – publications – leaflets and factsheets – How to cut your water and sewerage bills by being water efficient.

Local media enquiries contact: Christine MacDonald, Regional Manager of CCWater Eastern on 0122 332 3889.

Notes for editors

1. CCWater Eastern represents consumers of Anglian Water, Cambridge Water, Essex and Suffolk Water and Tendring Hundred Water.
2.  CCWater is the statutory water consumer body, and operates as a non-departmental public body reporting to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Welsh Government.
3. At regional level, it is supported by nine regional committees in England and one for Wales.
4. Our national website is www.ccwater.org.uk.

Media enquiries to Andrew Marsh on 0121 345 1005 or 07778 160 803 (out of hours) or Karen Blanchette on 0121 345 1006 or 07778 160 808.