Utility Week

UTILITY WEEK | JUNE 2021 | 33 Customers consider the pressure new homes put on networks. The recommendations are: • The National Planning Policy Frame- work should require the consideration of water neutrality in areas with constrained water resources, similar to flood risk "neutrality". • Local planning policies should require developers to work with the local water company on proposals to minimise the water demand impact for new develop- ments over a threshold size and target water neutrality. • Engagement between developers, water companies, and local authorities should happen at a very early planning stage to discuss water resources and the potential for a development to be water neutral. • There is the opportunity to demonstrate the concept in practice on new develop- ments, such as in the OxCam Arc. Who foots the bill? The group admits that the same barriers that existed a decade ago remain unresolved, particularly around funding. Waterwise's Nathan Richardson, head of policy and strat- egy along with Lydia Makin, policy and pro- jects manager, talked to Utility Week about these obstacles. "The main issue is the funding model and there are still the same problems that were talked about ten years ago," Makin explained. "Developers don't want to develop new buildings that are water neutral because of the cost of doing so. It would mean building a water efficient home with a water re-use element to make the footprint as low as possible, then also paying to retrofit existing buildings nearby to offset the extra use." Waterwise estimated some costs in the report that suggested a need to retrofit between five and eight existing houses to off- set every new-build property. "The debate is over where that cost would fall. Developers don't want to pay that. Should it be paid by water companies or a local authority helping to facilitate it? The funding model hasn't been cracked yet," Makin said. The main benefit of water neutrality goes to the water company, but to achieve it requires partnership with developers and local authorities. Looking at all three parties, many water companies have relatively small efficiency teams to carry out the ongoing planning and monitoring of work. The developer may not have the long-term interest in the area a•er it has completed work on the scheme. The planning authori- ties are under pressure to deliver on govern- ment targets and again, lack the resources. Another barrier is coordinating the needs and communicating between these dispa- rate parties to manage the process in detail from planning through to construction and completion to ensure the homes meet the specifications. Makin and Richardson said the first step towards water neutrality becoming a reality is to address policy that has created a per capita consumption "ceiling of 110 litres". Richardson said: "We responded to the National Planning Policy Framework in March asking the government to be more supportive and explicit to say that those technical standards are the minimal expec- tations not the ceiling for ambition, without it a developer can appeal against a local authority if they are pushed to go further. They are meeting the technical standard so how can they be asked to do more?" Waterwise believes this change at the top level would filter through but is wary that change could come about too slowly if ambi- tion is not shown here. Although the team admit it is quite early on in terms of talking about policy change, they cite policy frameworks relating to bio- diversity net gain, flooding, and carbon neu- trality that could potentially be drawn on or learnt from as blueprints for the future. However, a successful pilot is required first. Several companies have shown an interest, and examples in the non-household sector have included Sainsbury's working with Waterscan to build flagship neutral sites, but nothing at scale has been seen in the UK. Skewb's Earl added: "Despite previous studies that have outlined the benefits and the individual commitment of one or two high street retailers on individual develop- ments, the concept is yet to be demonstrated at significant scale. "It has been important to help fund this new study by Waterwise and now the focus is turning from the theory to the practice. Affinity Water, for example, is exploring how water neutrality can be a key target in future plans, particularly associated with the deliv- ery of new garden towns within its water supply area." Waterwise is conducting ongoing research into bringing together organisations to find a way forward through the obstacles and address how necessary new homes can be created without exacerbating the pressure water networks are already under. Ruth Williams, water correspondent "The main issue is the funding model and there are still the same problems that were talked about ten years ago," LYDIA MAKIN, POLICY AND PROJECTS MANAGER, WATERWISE

• Cover