BQ1 - How do we halve Freshwater Abstractions in a Sustainable way by 2050?
We are currently working on the approach to answering this Big Question, and more information will be given here soon. The areas that this Big Question covers includes: Once we understand where the gaps are, we will produce a route map – this is a plan as to how we will answer our Big Question. The route map will have a number of key elements. At the top will be our Big Question and then we will look to see what Outcomes we need from the research programme -if we can achieve all these outcomes we can answer the Big Question. This is the stage we are currently at for this Big Question. The next stage will be to think about the key benefits we want the research projects to deliver to meet these outcomes. Following this, we will plan the research projects to help deliver the benefits. Water companies have committed to meeting ambitious targets that reduce how much water customers use, but have recognised they need to look at both extremes of the water cycle – the point at which water is abstracted from the natural environment (which is being looked at by other research projects for this same Big Question) and the point at which it is used, enjoyed, or lost/wasted in households. HR Wallingford have just been awarded a contract to help us delve into this, read our factsheet below to know more.Improving understanding of current and future household water use
RESEARCH Outcomes
Drought resilient water supply View key benefits and filter projects by this outcome key benefits Customers accept alternative technologies Developed sustainable alternatives to freshwater abstraction Evidenced legislative proposals can be provided to government Influence and apply low cost and carbon technologies Integrated water, wastewater and stormwater management Public health, environmental, cost and legal barriers overcome There are incentives and processes to reduce abstraction We fully understand cost, benefit and impact of solutions |
Understand the risks to availability of water supplies View key benefits and filter projects by this outcome key benefits Principles and practice of sustainable abstraction are established Understand Drought and vulnerability to them. Understand the impact of Climate Change Understanding of Consumption Understanding of Environmental needs |
Minimising losses from water treatment and supply systems View key benefits and filter projects by this outcome key benefits Customers see industry “does its bit” Raw water and process losses are minimised Zero (or lowest feasible) leakage is achieved & maintained |
Deep reductions in consumption by household and non-household users View key benefits and filter projects by this outcome key benefits Costs and benefits of demand side solutions understood Demand side interventions supported by evidence Economic incentives or frameworks tested and trialled Public engaged to accept change and co-create solutions Society values water – social contract Tariff scheme benefits are well understood UKI water industry is a global leader in best practice Well defined best practice to communicate to customers |
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Projects
| Understanding of current and future household consumption. Project Status - Project Completed |
| Assessing the costs and benefits of nonessential use Drought orders – feasibility study. Project Status - Project Commenced Category - Water Resources In applying for a non-essential water use ban (NEUB) drought order a water company must provide an assessment of its cost – benefit. To calculate the costs and benefits of a NEUB, good information is needed about the make-up of the non-household customer base of the area the NEUB is to apply to, the water uses and related economics. Following the 2022 drought when a number of companies made preparations to apply for a NEUB, the lack of detailed understanding of the impacts of this was seen to be a concern, particularly to Retailers. There are a number of challenges to establishing the level of detail of this information that is necessary to make meaningful estimates of the costs and benefits of applying a NEUB. The project will look to make a start in addressing these challenges by undertaking a data and literature review to provide an understanding of a potential follow on project that would look to quantify the costs and benefits of NEUB implementation. |
| BQ How do we halve our abstractions by 2050? Research review and gap analysis. Project Status - Project Completed Category - Water Resources The Big Question of ‘How do we halve our abstractions by 2050?’ is a key strategic research programme for UKWIR. However, at present it is not clear what the research needs are. These needs should take into account what research has been done and what is currently on-going. This project will produce a community-owned list of prioritised research needs in order to halve our abstractions by 2050. This list will support the development of a research programme, form the basis for future planning and identify potential collaborations with other research organisations.
The project will enable the following: Identify the needs and potential outcomes for long-term research; Facilitate collaboration with academics, research organisations, funding agencies, and other stakeholders; Minimise the duplication of future research projects and ensure greater alignment. |
| National Framework for water resources - Environmental Destination investigation framework. Project Status - Project Commenced Category - Water Resources
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RESEARCH IMPACT - CASE STUDIES |