Support

Representation ID: 94

Received: 04/06/2009

Respondent: Environment Agency

Para 160: We support the need for all developments to include some form of water recycling. This paragraph could be strenghened by providing some of the background to water stress in the area. The Thames Gateway is a seriously water stressed area where water is a scarce resource. There is greater pressure placed on the water available for people and the environment than in other areas of the country. In order to reduce the demand placed on water resources, water efficiency measures should be installed in the new development and retrofitted in existing development. These measures will help reduce the water use of the Thames Gateway and contribute towards the goal of achieving 'water neutrality'.
New development should meet the following water efficiency standards:
. Residential development should use of less than 95 litres/head/day of water (in excess of Code for Substainable Homes Level 4)
. Non-residential development should score maximum points for water in the BREEAM, achieving an excellent rating overall;
Measures such as spray taps, water efficient showers and appliances, low flush toilets and outdoor water butts can achieve the water efficiency levels specified above. These add a minimal cost to development of between £275-£765 per house.