One in 20 houses have misconnected drains
Posted: Monday 5th February 2007
Plumbers and heating engineers have been called on to help save the world by promoting the use of water and energy efficiency in homes.
Speaking at the Worshipful Company of Plumbers Annual Lecture, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency Barbara Young said plumbers were ideally placed to help tackle some of the challenges being faced by the UK because of population-driven housing growth and an increase in water use.
"Our lifestyles are contributing to more and more unsustainable living. Some of the high level solutions lie in making sure we locate development away from floodplains and areas of water stress, have appropriate long term planning and funding for infrastructure development, and reduce the demand on resources," Barbara Young said.
"But we shouldn't underestimate the important role plumbers can play in day-to-day contact with customers in creating more sustainable living. They are the experts in providing advice on better plumbing design, which can be an important water efficiency measure, and the heating of domestic water, which is generally the principal energy use in most homes.
"By explaining what products are available and making people aware of environmental damage, costs and losses caused by inefficient practices, there are huge water and energy savings to be made in households - with little or no impact on our lifestyles. Ultimately, these savings will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve natural resources.
"Plumbers also need to be aware of changes in home building practices, such as the Code for Sustainable Homes, which will create incentives for developers to use more innovative low water and energy use appliances. Current consultations on compulsory water metering and water efficiency regulations in buildings also highlight the necessary steps being taken by Government to manage demand."
Barbara Young also called on plumbers to help improve water quality.
"An incredible one in 20 houses in London have misconnected drains - that is, drains that go straight from sinks, toilets and washing machines into watercourses without treatment, rather than being discharged into sewers."
