BORIS Johnson wants compulsory mains pay as you use’ water meters in every home. It is part of the Mayor’s new strategy to keep London watered with two million more people expected to live in the metropolis in the next 20 years
BORIS Johnson wants compulsory mains 'pay as you use' water meters in every home.
It is part of the Mayor's new strategy to keep London watered with two million more people expected to live in the metropolis in the next 20 years.
The average Londoner uses nearly 160 litres of water a day.
So the Mayor has set out his plans to make sure Londoners get enough mains supplies with the expected rise in population by 2030.
"It is easy to take our water in our taps for granted," he said.
"It is a vital resource which is under pressure from our expanding population and changing climate.
"We have enough water for London, but only if we use it wisely and effectively."
OLYMPIC POOLS
Saving just a 10th of the 160 litres we use every day would fill 48 Olympic-sized swimming pools seven times a week, Boris points out.
He is working on proposals for the water companies to introduce compulsory water meters as one of the measures in his London Water Strategy to conserve mains supplies.
He also wants more rainwater 'harvesting' and grey water 'recycling' and sustainable drainage through planning policies.
The Mayor's draft water strategy is now out for public consultation into both mains drinking water as well as floodwater drainage and sewage.
The strategy includes construction of a new Tideway tunnel under the Thames and River Lea in East London to reduce discharges of drain water and sewage into the river.
Environment Agency's regional strategy manager Clive Coley said: "We face not having enough water if we don't make changes now.
"By 2050, climate change could reduce our water by up to 15 per cent. So everyone needs to consume less.
People expect to be able to turn on the tap and get water without having to think about where it comes from and to pull the plug and for water to drain away without worrying about what happens to it afterwards."
Almost a-quarter of London homes already have water meters, City Hall points out, which are estimated to reduce consumption by to 10 per cent.
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