Water demand management can help environment without huge costs - Baker

Responding to fears expressed by wildlife groups that keeping water bills low would mean less funding for environmental and water quality improvements, Norman Baker MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, said:

"This time you can have your cake and eat it. What the water companies should be doing, and what Ofwat should be proposing, is a serious programme of demand management.

"This can be achieved through the promotion of water efficiency technologies, further attempts to control leakage, and the introduction of water metering.

"The combined result would obviate the need for expensive infrastructure works and help the environment, as well as keeping costs down for consumers."