Bathroom supplier Methven has expressed its support for the Government’s New Vision For Water white paper, calling it “a step in the right direction” towards addressing the UK’s water concerns.
The new white paper lays out a host of changes to water regulations in the UK, aiming to secure safe water supplies and protect the environment. A key element of the proposed changes will be to consolidate the functions of organisations such as Ofwat, the Environment Agency and the Drinking Water Inspectorate into a single regulator to address oversight concerns.
Other proposed changes include plans to introduce a mandatory water efficiency label, which should make it easier for customers to identify and choose water saving products.
Emma Reynolds MP, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, introduced the proposals as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform a sector vital to public health, our environment and the nation’s economic growth and prosperity”.
She continued: “With a new stronger single regulator, and a renewed focus on securing a fair deal for customers, investors, and the environment, we will rebuild trust and secure a water system that works for everyone.”
As a heritage bathroom company with a history dating back to 1886, Methven says it has also long advocated for the potential impact of water-efficient shower products, citing its patented Satinjet technology which it says creates optimum water droplet size and pressure.
“With water saving and efficiency increasingly under the microscope, the New Vision for Water white paper is a step in the right direction and has come at the right time,” said Emma Foster, Methven’s head of marketing and product.
“For the bathroom manufacturing sector, particularly those working with water intensive products such as taps and showers, we need to unite around clear guidance and a path forward to address the challenges of increasing water scarcity.
“A New Vision for Water’s focus on infrastructure, innovation and accountability is welcomed. What’s needed now is action and we believe that a tangible impact can be made at speed.”