Water companies must do more to modernise the network and reduce leakages says a West Midlands Liberal Democrat MP

8.06.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 1st Jun 2006

People must be encouraged to use water more prudently

The Liberal Democrats are calling for a comprehensive review into Government failures to deliver a sustainable water resources strategy ahead of tomorrow's meeting between the Environment Secretary David Miliband and representatives of Ofwat to discuss water shortages.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Trade and Industry spokesperson and West Midlands MP, Lorely Burt MP, said: "Whatever measures are agreed by Mr Miliband tomorrow, they will be nothing more than a short-term sticking plaster. We need long-term answers to meet the challenge of what will become an increasing problem due to climate change. After nine years the Government have failed to produce a joined-up and sustainable strategy for the future use of water resources in Britain. They seem happy to pursue a number meaningless reviews into energy supply when they've already made their mind up to push ahead with nuclear power, but have failed to do the same for water resources when this is a far more urgent issue. A full and comprehensive review is needed to identify what is going wrong and where it can be put right.

"Measures such as recycling 'grey' water within homes can play a future role, but will not be enough in themselves, as the fundamental question to answer is why more and more water is being used, particularly in the South East. When water companies are making large windfall profits they must do more to modernise the network and reduce leakages. Water metering should be introduced in areas where water consumption is higher than average, if the UK's water shortages are to be overcome. People must be encouraged to use water more prudently."