RAIN AND FLOODS HAVE MADE US COMPLACENT ABOUT WATER SHORTAGES, SAYS EURO-MP

11.35.30am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 29th Sep 2008

It may not seem likely after the wet and cloudy summer, but there are fears that the region could face water shortages in the future if we carry on consuming it at current rates.

According to campaign group Waterwise the UK already has less water available per person than almost any other EU country. While we use an average of 150 litres of water per person per day, in Germany and Belgium this is just 130 and 107 litres.

Water usage has been increasing on average by about 1 per cent each year since the 1930s, pushed up in recent times by more people, and many more smaller households, using power showers and taking more baths than ever before.

The European Parliament has been looking at the issue and claims that 40% of the water used in the EU could be saved and called for concrete measures and financial incentives to promote a more efficient and sustainable use of water.

Local LibDem Euro-MP Liz Lynne commented:

"Compared to London and the South East, the West Midlands region is relatively well off for water but we shouldn't get too comfortable - we need to stop wasting so much water if we are to avoid serious difficulties down the line.

"Water tables are plummeting across the world as a result of increased consumption. Just look at Barcelona and Cyprus - they now have to ship water in to keep the taps flowing.

"But relatively simple solutions can make a huge difference. Water meters can reduce consumption by 10% or more. Washing machines need to be made more efficient, and perhaps it will become necessary to fit spring taps around the house so we are all less tempted to leave water running to waste."

"Most of the region's worries have centred on too much water over the last year, but this has made us complacent and forgetful about the dry years beforehand. If we wait for a drought before we act it will be far too late."

ENDS

Notes:

Waterwise.org.uk gives information on how to reduction consumption without restricting use.

Increased consumption is not simply the product of water use in homes. Waterwise points out that vast amounts of water are required to produce articles we take for granted. People can check their water footprint at: www.Waterfootprint.org

Water used to manufacture selected products:

• 1 sheet of A4 paper - 10 litres

• Cup of coffee - 140 litres

• Glass of orange juice - 170 litres

• Pint of beer - 170 litres

• Cotton T-shirt - 4,100 litres

• Leather shoes - 8,000 litres