Environment Agency - Home

Water conservation publications

The Environment Agency publishes a range of free literature relating to water conservation and demand management.

To receive a hard copy of any of the following publications, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk or telephone 0370 8506506.

View our current position on rainwater harvesting systems:

This report assesses the likely costs of complying with the levels of water efficiency set out in the Code for Sustainable Homes.

A colourful poster providing top tips on how to save water in the home and garden.

A practical guide on how to save water.  Each chapter is dedicated to a different type of water use and some water saving options cost very little.

This guide sets out how wastewater from showers, baths and hand basins can be re-used or re-cycled to reduce consumption of mains water.

This publication has information about the benefits of these systems, savings that you can achieve, alternatives to consider, installation costs, maintenance requirements, water quality issues and regulations and guidance to follow.

The Environment Agency and Greater London Authority jointly carried out a study to try and improve our understanding of how increased household water metering and different approaches to tariffs would impact on the affordability of water charges, particularly for lower income and/or socially vulnerable groups.

This publication presents a review of methods used to estimate domestic per capita consumption (PCC) of water in selected countries.  Focuses on countries reported to have lower average PCC than England and Wales.

Increasing water efficiency is likely to result in reduced demand for water so less water flowing through drains and sewers and needing treatment.

We, along with nine water companies worked together on this project to assess devices which can be fitted to older toilet cisterns to reduce the volume of water used for flushing.

A study looking at the wider costs and benefits of water use appliances (washing machines, dishwashers, toilets, showers and direct hot water systems) from the perspective of householders and water companies.

Business best practice from the Water Efficiency Awards 2009.

Water efficiency case studies from industry, business, agriculture, horticulture, leisure and tourism, construction and renovation and the public sector.

Water efficiency case studies of the winning, commended and finalist entries to the 2005 awards.

Water efficiency case studies demonstrating good practice across all sectors.

Water efficiency case studies from industry, business, agriculture and the public sector.

A study looking at the potential for water efficiency savings within the existing housing stock in south east England.  It concluded that around 65 Ml/d could be saved through large scale water efficiency retrofit schemes.

A study to investigate the feasibility of if and why a separate water savings trust is needed.

A simple guide to implementing a water management plan on the farm.

A simple guide to developing and implementing a water management plan for business and public sectors.