How are rivers in the UK managed to provide our water supply?

Water usage

The north and west of Britain use less water than the south and east of Britain. Households in the north and centre of Britain only use on average 130 - 149 litres per day. London in particular has one of the highest Average household water usage in the country, with a usage of more than 190 litres per household per day. Suffolk has a particularly low average with a usage of less than 130 litres per household per day. 

What increases water usage? 

• Increase in population will increase water usage
• A more affluent lifestyle increases an individuals water usage as a lot of recreational activities use water.
• Demand for food, which is out of season, increases water usage due to watering/irrigation
• Industrial processes utilize a lot of water so usage will increase 
• A rise in temperature will increase water usage for cooling, farming and watering gardens/lawns

Water supply issues and solutions in the UK

Measures must be taken to ensure that the increase in water demand due to population growth and other factors can be met in a sustainable way and that people are encouraged and educated to only use the water they need. There are areas of water surplus such as Scotland and the North of England, which should not have a supply problem in the future. However the Southeast in particular is at risk of water stress where there is insufficient water to supply peak periods due to water deficit. Water conservation is also important and people must be encouraged to reduce their usage. Water meters have been shown to reduce usage by charging people for the exact amount of water they use. People are more likely to take showers rather than baths, not leave taps running, and water their gardens sparingly. Technology is also important. It can assist with more efficient toilets, rain collection systems and water recycling systems.