There has never been a better time to convince the public to reduce their per capita consumption (PCC) because of awareness from media coverage of environmental issues.
That is according to Colin Skellett chief executive of Wessex Water who told Utility Week the door was open for persuading the public to be better aware of its water consumption.
He said: “It’s a bit like smoking. Ten years ago people didn’t think twice about it but now people really take it seriously. We need people to have the same approach to using water and the environment.”
He said the heavy emphasis on climate change and the environment meant the time was ripe for portraying the message.
“We need customers to do their share. But the water sector also must address leakage and provide people with information to make changes,” he said.
Wessex engages with more 40,000 school children in projects and through its education centres and Skellett said this should be built upon to spread the message further.
Skellett said part of the reason people are not always considerate about water consumption is economical.
“People might think bills are high but in fact water is incredibly cheap, so the economic bit doesn’t work. You’ve got to try to change attitudes this must be done together.
“We are pushing an open door so now really is a good time to push the good things the industry is doing and to rebuild public confidence. Renationalisation is a distraction.”