18/10/2005 - Barbara Young, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, today welcomed the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) State of the Nation Report saying it was an important contribution in planning for the future sustainability of England and Wales.

The State of the Nation Report covers areas of responsibility for the Environment Agency such as flood, waste and water management.

"The Environment Agency agrees with the ICE’s overall appraisal of future needs in flood management - and our action continues in this important area," Barbara Young said.

"However, we believe that when it comes to managing water, more emphasis should be placed on water efficiency.

"We need to take a two-pronged approach to long-term water resource management, combining water resource developments such as new reservoirs, with better water efficiency.

"Water is a finite resource. All the water we use is taken from streams, rivers or aquifers. If too much is taken our rivers and wetlands will be damaged, affecting plants and wildlife as well as river users, like anglers and boat users.

"Over the past decade, on average each person in England and Wales is now using about an extra 15 litres per day.

"As just one measure, if water-efficient toilets, showers, taps and white goods were installed in all new homes, the amount of water that new homes use could be reduced by between 20 to 30 per cent.

"Most people can save at least 10% of the water they use by making a few small changes to their daily habits. For example, by not leaving taps running, taking showers instead of baths.

"Other measures such as water metering also help. Metering makes people aware of how much water they are using and provides an incentive to conserve - research shows that people who opt for water meters use around 10% less water in the year following its installation.

"The Environment Agency is doing what it can, but action is required at all levels, with business, industry, local government and the public all playing a key role in reducing water consumption," Barbara Young said.