Calls for urgent law change as UK’s largest water reuse system cannot be switched on
Summary
The UK’s largest water reuse system in Cambridgeshire cannot be turned on because current drinking water laws do not allow recycled water to be used for household purposes. This legal barrier is preventing water companies from using recycled rainwater and greywater to reduce water use in a region that faces serious water shortages.Key Facts
- The water reuse system was ready to start in 2021 but remains off due to legal restrictions.
- It could save about 25 litres of water per person each day by recycling rainwater for non-drinking uses like toilet flushing.
- The Drinking Water Inspectorate says supplying grey water for household use breaks the law under the 1991 Water Act and 2016 water quality regulations.
- Other countries, like Belgium and Germany, have successfully used similar water recycling systems for over 20 years.
- The Greater Cambridgeshire area is one of the driest parts of the UK and faces critical water shortages.
- Hosepipe bans have been imposed by water companies due to low reservoir levels after drought.
- Experts and industry leaders say the law needs urgent change to allow large-scale water recycling.
- The Eddington urban quarter will eventually house 8,000 people and aims to reduce water consumption significantly through its system.
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