Securing London’s water future

In October 2011, the Mayor published his water strategy, Securing London’s Water Future. This is the first water strategy for London and provides a complete picture of the capital's water needs. The strategy calls for organisations involved in the city's water management to:

• invest in a water management and sewerage system to ensure London has the water services fit for a world class city and create jobs
• support and encourage Londoners to take practical action to save water, save energy and save on their utility bills (a standard package of water saving measures can save a household around 35,000 litres of water per year and £90 off their bills)
• realise the potential of London’s sewage as a clean energy resource to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy security
• work in partnership with the Mayor, boroughs and communities to seek and develop opportunities to manage flood risk through enhancing London’s green spaces.

Extreme weather and climate change will bring periods when there is too much or too little rain. We must be able to cope with these fluctuations. London’s growing population will increase demand for water from the environment and produce more wastewater.

At the heart of the strategy is a six-point plan to reduce London's water demand. At a time of decreasing supply and increasing demand for water, it makes sense to use the water we have more wisely. The strategy promotes increasing water efficiency and reducing water wastage to balance supply and demand for water, safeguard the environment and help tackle water affordability problems.

The strategy also promotes actions to enhance London’s environment and build community capacity to help manage flood risk. Green roofs, green spaces and naturalising rivers can help to absorb and retain water, as well as improve the environment for people and wildlife. The Mayor will support communities at potential flood risk to increase their resilience to flooding through helping them develop their own Community Flood Plans.

To download 'Securing London’s Water Future' and supporting documents, visit the Securing London’s Water Future publication page.