Water Facts
The East of England is the UK’s driest region, and Hertfordshire is one of the driest counties with average rainfall returning only two thirds the national average.
Since 1950 the number of people in the World has doubled, however water use has increased by six times.
People in Hertfordshire use more water than any other county in the UK (8% above the national average).
On average 168 litres was used per person per day in Hertfordshire in 2006-07. Only around 3.6% of this figure is used for drinking water. To find out your total household water use why not complete an online water audit at 3valleys.co.uk.
Hertfordshire’s natural water environment is constantly at risk to periods of drought and floods. Groundwater resources are now at or approaching full utilisation, and many rivers and streams suffer from low flows which detrimentally impacts upon water quality.
Studies show having a water meter reduces water demand by 12%. (3valleys.co.uk)
Only 35% of Three Valleys Water customers have a water meter. Three Valleys Water aim to have 90% of customers on a water meter by 2020. (3valleys.co.uk)
Annual average rainfall per head is less than that recorded in Istanbul, Jerusalem and Yemen.
Hertfordshire’s population is expected to rise by 12% by 2035. Careful management of water resources will be essential in coming years.
There are several areas in Hertfordshire that have significant flood risk (i.e. a risk level greater than 1 in 75 years). The Environment Agency’s indicative flood maps show areas that are susceptible.
Provision of water and waste water services contributes nearly 3% of the UK’s CO 2 emissions (more than 60kg of CO2 for every person in the UK).
Climate change impacts indicate a 5% loss of available water resource by 2035.
The average household bill in 2008-09 for water and sewerage is expected to be £330. This is a 44% increase in real terms since 1989. (ofwat.gov.uk)