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It’s one of those almost unfathomable, brain-scratching scenarios – how can a country, world renowned for its rainfall, face a water shortage? Yet after the hosepipe bans that have periodically struck us after those rare hot summers it now appears that we’re set for a full-fledged crisis by 2050.
According to a report by the Environment Agency, England is facing water supply shortages prompted by climate change and population growth unless we curb our usage – highlighting that enough water to meet the needs of some 20 million people is actually being lost through leakages every day. As such, it wants people to have personal water targets and wiser use of water at home.
“Today’s findings from the Environment Agency highlight the stark reality which the UK finds itself regarding its over consumption of water resource,” said Craig Foster, CEO of HomeServe Labs. “Our growing population means demand is rising for an increasingly limited supply of water; we simply cannot be in a position where three billion litres a day are wasted through leakage. Aside from the vast environmental impact of this waste, the financial burden is significant.”
It suggests that from 9,500 billion litres taken from lakes, reservoirs, rivers and underground sources in 2016, some three billion litres a day were wasted through leakage – and this is where insurers fit into the equation.
Brokers and insurers should already be assisting their clients with leak mitigation. After all, looking for the tell-tale signs of leakage and other pipe-related problems can reduce the chances of a home flood and a significant insurance claim.
“In the UK alone, the cost of claims for avoidable damages caused by leaking water costs consumers £629 million every year,” continued Foster. “Globally, it amounts to an almost £20 billion per year problem. Home assistance technologies are now helping consumers understand the importance of monitoring potential escape of water in the home, to avoid costly and unnecessary leaks. It is now critical that we rethink our attitudes to water usage and take action to conserve our supplies sufficiently to meet consumer demand in 2050 and well beyond.”
So now that client discussion is no longer just “help yourself avoid a major claim” – it’s “help the environment and our water shortage too.”
Preventing a home flood seems a lot more appetising when it’s accompanied by avoiding yet another hosepipe ban.
