BMA speaks out on water shortages

With water use high on the agenda after one of the driest European springs on record the Bathroom Manufacturers Association is demanding action to avoid shortages.

“It’s all very well proposing vast and expensive infrastructure projects which are politically charged and take decades to complete,” says BMA chief executive Yvonne Orgill, of the grandiose scheme proposed by The Mayor of London to move water from Wales and Scotland to the south-east by canal.

“What we need is action, now. And, actually, everything is already in place to quickly and quite easily reduce householders’ water consumption. Our own research and proposal for a WC Scrappage Scheme is well advanced.”

“Our bathroom industry has been working really hard over the last few years to introduce technically advanced and stylish bathroom products which consume the minimal amount of water yet still give the bathing experience we have become accustomed to.

“Super-low-flush WC suites are steadily replacing the 13 and 9 litre water guzzlers which are still so common in the UK. The latest 3 litre dual flush pans are no more expensive than their single flush 6 litre counterparts but their consumption figures speak for themselves.

“Showering and bathing have seen real innovation too with eco-showerheads which mix water with air and digital shower controls.”

Over 1500 products in nine categories are now listed on the BMA’s Water Efficient Product labelling Scheme. The WEPLS database can be used to identify the most efficient water products available.

“Bathroom products which save water and energy are already on the shelves,” says Orgill.

“What we need now is government to encourage their installation and an instant reduction in water consumption will be the result. Canal building takes time.”