Water companies in England and Wales are losing five times more water through leaky pipes than even a nationwide hosepipe ban could save, according to environmental campaigners. Greenpeace UK's analysis of Ofwat data reveals that 2.87bn litres of water seep from pipes daily, enough to fill 1,150 Olympic-sized swimming pools and representing a fifth of all water pumped through the network.
Hosepipe ban savings minimal compared to leaks
In contrast, a network-wide hosepipe ban would save only 4% of water, approximately 577m litres per day. This comes as water companies impose temporary use bans on millions in south and south-east England, making hosepipe use a criminal offence with a potential £1,000 penalty.
Record heatwaves strain water supply
Water companies report increased demand during this summer's record heatwaves, while high temperatures and lack of rain have left reservoir levels below long-term averages. The Environment Agency notes that river flows and groundwater levels continue to decline at nearly all sites.
Infrastructure failures blamed on privatisation
Greenpeace's analysis highlights the UK water industry's inability to maximise water reserves. Privatised in the 1980s, it has faced criticism for prioritising shareholder dividends over infrastructure investment. It has been over three decades since a major new reservoir was built, though several are in planning. The Climate Change Committee warns England faces a potential water-supply shortfall of over 5bn litres per day by the mid-2050s.
Campaigns and industry response
Water companies, Ofwat, the Environment Agency, the Met Office and Natural Resources Wales launched a publicity campaign in June to encourage water conservation. Water use in England and Wales is among the highest in Europe. Greenpeace UK chief scientist Doug Parr said: “Of course people should use water carefully during prolonged hot and dry weather. But it’s galling to be told to put away the hose while water companies are losing nearly 3bn litres every day through leaks.”
Water UK, the industry trade association, responded: “Water companies have cut leakage by around 40% since privatisation and plan to reduce it by a further 17% by 2030. Some parts of the country are seeing demand for water rise by more than a third. As this third heatwave of the year continues, water companies are working round the clock fixing leaks, moving water across regions and running treatment works flat out to keep supplies flowing, and we’d urge all customers to use water wisely.”
