Taps, showers, dishwashers and washing machines could all have new water efficiency labels, in a move which will help save consumers over £270 million on bills over 10 years.
The plans, subject to a 12-week consultation launched at the beginning of September, will encourage the purchase of more water-efficient products and help customers manage their water and energy bills.
Based on 2019 prices the label could save £125 million on water bills and £147 million on energy bills over 10 years as well as 1,200 million litres of water a day – the equivalent of 480 Olympic swimming pools.
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones is encouraging people to take part in the consultation.
Mr Jones commented: “Recent events have shown us that water and energy are precious resources. We have taken relatively stable costs and plentiful supply for granted for too long. Drought and war have shown us that this is far from a certainty.
“That is why we should make it easier for people to make greener and cheaper choices when they buy goods which use water, particularly those like boilers and dishwashers which require the water they use to be heated.
“Consumers can choose goods which will lessen the amount of water and energy they use, helping the environment and saving them cash all at the same time.”
The proposals aim to introduce a separate water label from the existing energy label for display on toilets, urinals, kitchen sink taps, bathroom basin taps, non-electric shower outlet devices and shower assembly solutions, dishwashers, washing machines and combination washer/dryers.
Hot water use is the second largest use of energy in a home after space heating. Installing a water-efficient showerhead could save an average household (2.3 occupants) 3,762 litres of water, and £17.44 off their combined utility bills per year. A family of four could save 6,468 litres and about £30 off their combined energy and water bill each year.
In 2021 alone energy efficiency labelling and minimum performance standards led to energy bill savings of £75 for the average dual-fuel household.
You can respond to the consultation here.
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