It seems that getting the water balance right is an impossible task. During the winter many homes are flooding in the UK and then in the summer drought conditions bring back memories of 1976 and water rationing. One minute we are paying a premium to keep the water out of our homes, the next we are paying extra to get it in. What has gone wrong?

Climate change is an obvious culprit for our problems. Certainly it has had an impact on our weather conditions and this is already affecting our lives. Scientists are predicting that future summers will be warmer and drier and winters warmer and wetter. In the past, our rain fall has been spread fairly evenly throughout the year. In the future it would appear that we will have to store more of the winter water to keep us going in the summer. But the fact is that isn't anymore water or any less than there has every been. The problem is with a growing world population - there are more demands on our water supply.

We need water not only to stay alive but to maintain a minimum standard of living. Drinking, cooking, cleaning and sanitation are an essential part of our lives. Recently water companies have warned that prices will have to rise if the necessary investment in the water system infrastructure is to be achieved. This part due to general maintenance of the system but also to meet new EC standards on the treatment of sewage. The disposal of waste water is an often forgotten cost to the water supply. If we want our clean beaches and water ways then there is no easy solution. The growing number of Blue Flag beaches across the country is a testimony to the reversal in the previous 'out of sight out of mind' attitude to sewage treatment standards.

The increase of water costs doesn't necessarily encourage people to become water misers. Despite the introduction of water meters, many still pay for water at a level based on the rateable value of their property not the amount used. One of the arguments against metered supply is that water is a basic human requirement and metering affect the poor more than the better off. It would seem that the water meters are inevitable if costs are to be apportioned fairly, so what are the options?

Many water suppliers will allow a 'trial period' during which you have a meter fitted but if you are unhappy then it can be removed. This would seem a safe option for many. Anglia Water have a section on their web site for you to estimate whether you could be better off by having a meter fitted. Without a meter it is hard to reap the benefits of your efforts to save water.

Water saving tips

• Shower instead of bath - but watch out for power showers - they use twice as much as a bath!
• Put a water hippo in you toilet cistern
• Try Tapmagic fittings - they reduce the flow of water by mixing it with air (second energy saving when used on hot water taps)
• Collect rain water in a water butt for watering the garden (make sure it is covered if you have young children)
• You don't need to run the tap to get 'fresh' water - it is all fresh!
• Keep a jug of water in the fridge for drinking
• Use the economy programme on the dishwasher and washing machine and/or buy a water saving machine
• Get a meter and enjoy the savings

Further Information:

You can find more tips from Anglian Water by [clicking here].