Policy SI 5 — Water infrastructure

Policy SI 5 Water infrastructure A In order to minimise the use of mains water, water supplies and resources should be protected and conserved in a sustainable manner. B Development Plans should promote improvements to water supply infrastructure to contribute to security of supply. This should be done in a timely, efficient and sustainable manner taking energy consumption into account. C Development proposals should: 1) through the use of Planning Conditions minimise the use of mains water in line with the Optional Requirement of the Building Regulations (residential development), achieving mains water consumption of 105 litres or less per head per day (excluding allowance of up to five litres for external water consumption) 2) achieve at least the BREEAM excellent standard for the ‘Wat 01’ water category [160] or equivalent (commercial development) 3) incorporate measures such as smart metering, water saving and recycling measures, including retrofitting, to help to achieve lower water consumption rates and to maximise future-proofing. D In terms of water quality, Development Plans should: 1) promote the protection and improvement of the water environment in line with the Thames River Basin Management Plan, and should take account of Catchment Plans 2) support wastewater treatment infrastructure investment to accommodate London’s growth and climate change impacts. Such infrastructure should be constructed in a timely and sustainable manner taking account of new, smart technologies, intensification opportunities on existing sites, and energy implications. Boroughs should work with Thames Water in relation to local wastewater infrastructure requirements. E Development proposals should: 1) seek to improve the water environment and ensure that adequate wastewater infrastructure capacity is provided 2) take action to minimise the potential for misconnections between foul and surface water networks. F Development Plans and proposals for strategically or locally defined growth locations with particular flood risk constraints or where there is insufficient water infrastructure capacity should be informed by Integrated Water Management Strategies at an early stage. 9.5.1 Londoners consume on average 149 litres of water per person per day – around 8 litres above the national average. All water companies that serve London are located in areas classified as seriously water-stressed. London is at risk of drought after two dry winters. During 2006 and 2012 water use restrictions affecting London were imposed. These restrictions were limited to sprinkler, hosepipe and non-essential user bans. A severe drought – with rota cuts, standpipes, reduced mains pressure or adding non-potable water to the mains supply – would have major implications for Londoners’ health and wellbeing, the environment and London’s economy. The Mayor will work with the water industry to prevent this level of water restriction being required for London in future. 9.5.2 An important aspect of avoiding the most severe water restrictions is to ensure that leakage is reduced and water used as efficiently as possible . The Optional Requirement set out in Part G of the Building Regulations should be applied across London. [161] A fittings-based approach should be used to determine the water consumption of a development. This approach is transparent and compatible with developers’ procurement and the emerging Water Label, [162] which Government and the water companies serving London are supporting. 9.5.3 Even with increased water efficiency and reduced leakage, water companies are forecasting an increasing demand for water. Without additional sources of supply, the increased demand will increase the risk of requiring water restrictions during drought periods. Security of supply should be ensured. Demand forecasts need to continue to be monitored and based on the consistent use of demographic data across spatial and infrastructure planning regimes. 9.5.4 Thames Water has set out through the water resource management planning process its preferred approach to strategic water supply options to serve London and parts of the Wider South East. It is considering a suite of options, including a potential new reservoir, effluent reuse, water transfers and new groundwater sources. 9.5.5 A strategic approach to water supply networks to ensure future water resilience and, in particular, the timely planning for a new strategic water resource to serve London and the Wider South East is important. In its draft Water Resource Management Plan, Thames Water has explored coordinated supply options with the other water companies serving London and the South East of England working with the Water Resource South East Group. Water Resource East has undertaken similar work in the East of England area. All this involves partnership working with key stakeholders within London and beyond its boundaries. 9.5.6 Infrastructure investment is constrained by the short-term nature of water companies’ investment plans. Similar to the approach to electricity supply, in order to facilitate the delivery of development it is important that investment in water supply infrastructure is provided ahead of need. To minimise wastage, water supply infrastructure improvements should give consideration to the replacement of ageing trunk mains. 9.5.7 In the context of the significant investment needed, measures to protect and support vulnerable customers in particular from rising water bills are important. 9.5.8 In relation to wastewater and improvements to the water environment, Water Framework Directive requirements should be maintained through the Thames River Basin Management Plan and the Catchment Plans prepared by the Catchment Partnerships, of which there are 12 in London. These Partnerships share lessons, experiences and best practice, and help achieve a coordinated approach to delivering the Thames River Basin Management Plan. Development Plans should be supported by evidencLondon Plan Policy SI 5 · official source →