The benefits of greater collaboration between water companies and community groups has been highlighted in a study by University of Sussex to find ways for low-income households to be more water efficient.
People across Sussex who struggle to pay their water bill we offered efficiency advice to reduce consumption and thus reduce bills as part of the study, which will be presented for nationwide rollout.
The project began in 2016 through the University of Sussex’s sociology department to assess the benefits of bringing different groups together. The study was launched following calls by regulators for increased collaboration between water companies and other agencies to identify and support vulnerable households.
It explored how a joined-up approach could be used to better spread the water efficiency message to customers, particularly those who struggle with affordability.
Together with Southern Water, CCWater and Brighton and Hove City Council the Community Water Partnership assessed the usage of households to find ways to save water and money.
The Community Water Partnership recommended its approach could be rolled-out across the UK to benefit low income communities and save water. Following a local launch, the partnership’s findings will be presented nationwide this week to encourage other regions to adopt the approach.
It suggested collaboration between departments within water companies to work together to link affordability and efficiency to help low-income households reduce their bills.
Three areas were found to impact on water use: certain health conditions, more frequent washing associated with religious observation and high usage by children and young people.
Discussing water use with these groups is potentially a sensitive subject so the study suggested working with health, welfare and faith-based community organisations to understand usage and discuss consumption.
It said these partners – especially those from the community and voluntary sectors and faith-based organisations – can bring different forms of legitimacy and a closer understanding of people’s lives.
The study also highlighted the importance of involving water users themselves in discussions about efficiency and affordability. A booklet of advice based on the experiences of real homes involved in the study has been produced including tips for households about lowering water bills, awareness of different tariffs; checking for leaks as well as general water saving tips for the home and garden.
Low-income customers received a visit from Southern’s efficiency team and were given bespoke water saving advice. Some were given water-saving gadgets, such as shower heads, as well as information about how to reduce consumption.
The partnership was keen to engage with households that were “more difficult to reach with water-saving messages”. The university study linked households that were struggling to pay their bills with an opportunity to reduce consumption.
Southern’s region has a high rate of metering which meant it was possible to explore links between efficiency and affordability.
The booklet of tips and advice gathered from the study and through speaking to participating residents has been made available for adaptation for other parts of the country.