Watering large gardens: a controversial proposal to tackle climate change.
In a bold statement, the government's climate change adaptation adviser, Baroness Brown of Cambridge, has suggested that those with extensive gardens should face higher water costs. She argues that water companies should implement a pricing strategy where the cost per litre increases significantly for higher water usage, helping to conserve water without penalizing those with lower consumption.
But here's where it gets controversial: Brown didn't define what constitutes a 'large garden.' However, as the leader of the climate change committee's adaptation efforts, she believes this measure could effectively reduce water usage without disproportionately affecting those who need it most.
Brown urges households to reduce their daily water consumption from the current average of 140 liters per person to a more sustainable 110 liters by 2055. This ambitious target is in response to the Environment Agency's estimate that England could face a daily water shortfall of 5 billion liters by that year, due to population growth and hotter, drier summers.
The strain on the country's water supply during dry periods is significant, with millions of gardeners turning to their hoses. For instance, during this year's exceptionally dry April, Yorkshire Water recorded an increase of 80 million liters per day, equivalent to the combined daily usage of York and Harrogate.
The Royal Horticultural Society's Gardening Report estimates that British households use a staggering 500 million liters of water daily for their gardens, with only 18% of this coming from collected rainwater or greywater, and 40% being mains-only water.
To adapt to the changing climate, the RHS suggests gardeners opt for drought-tolerant species like lavender, marjoram, and California lilacs. They also recommend collecting rainwater and utilizing runoff from rooftops to make the most of scarce rainfall.
The Met Office has warned that the ongoing drought, which began this spring (the driest on record), is unlikely to be alleviated by winter rainfall. While hosepipe bans have been lifted in some areas, they are expected to remain in place across Yorkshire and parts of the southeast for the foreseeable future.
Currently, reservoirs in England are only 65.8% full, far below the average for this time of year. Water companies are preparing for a dry winter, with some executives warning of drastic measures beyond hosepipe bans if rainfall remains low.
As temperatures rise, droughts like the one experienced in 2022, with wildfires in east London and record-breaking 40°C temperatures, are expected to become more frequent. Brown predicts that such summers could be twice as likely by the 2050s.
She emphasizes the need for better public engagement to raise awareness about reducing water usage. "We should discourage people from having power showers," she said, advocating for smart water meters to help track and reduce consumption.
"Because there is this perception that we live in a wet country and we're surrounded by the sea, [the threat of water shortages] doesn't impact on the public consciousness enough ... It does need the public really engaged in this," Brown added.
Comparing the UK to Mediterranean countries, where water conservation is more ingrained, she highlights the need for a cultural shift. "In Mediterranean countries, people are much better at being sparing with water, and they have levels of more like 80-100 liters of water per person a day."
Brown's suggestion of "block pricing" is her own idea, not the official view of the climate change committee. Water bills are set to rise significantly over the next five years as water companies invest in fixing leaky pipes and improving sewage systems.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has been approached for comment on this matter.
What are your thoughts on this proposal? Do you think it's a fair way to encourage water conservation, or is there a better alternative? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below!
