Department of Health

Website of the Department of Health

Please note that this website has a UK government access keys system.

Targets C1-C4: Water

  • Last modified date:
    8 February 2007

Water is an essential resource vital for public health and the environment. Although it is a renewable resource, there are limitss to freshwater availability, both on a regional and national basis. Safeguarding water resources is therefore an important element of the sustainable development agenda.

Data Collection

All Departments should collect data to monitor the following from 2002/2003 for sites where they are the sole occupier or are billed for water services:

  • Each site's annual water consumption in m3
  • Staff numbers, full time contractors and estimated annual number of visitors
  • Hours the site is open (core days/hours)
  • Any special water using features (e.g. cooling towers, garage facilities, sports amenities).

Achievements

The Department has continued to introduce water conserving measures across the estate. As a result the annual water consumption per person has reduced from an average of 10.12 m3 per person per annum in 2001/2 to 6.85m3 in 2003/4.  This considerably exceeds the Framework target of 7.7m3.

Future

A number of potential water saving measures were identified from the Watermark surveys, and these are being implemented. The Department monitors water usage month by month and any excessive water consumption is investigated fully.  Planned maintenance across the estate will include further waterless urinals and water saving taps.

Access keys