Water

4A.16 Water supplies and resources

The Mayor will work in partnership with appropriate agencies within London and adjoining Local Planning Authorities to protect and conserve water supplies and water resources in order to secure London’s needs in a sustainable manner by supporting the Water Strategy and by:

• minimising the use of treated water
• reaching cost-effective minimum leakage levels
• maximising rainwater harvesting opportunities
• introducing targets for water recycling in major developments
• promoting the use of dual potable and grey water recycling systems
• in conjunction with demand side measure, promoting the provision of additional sustainable water resources in a timely and efficient manner, to reduce the water supply deficit and achieve a security of supply in London
• minimizing the amount of energy consumed in water supply processes
• ensuring that adequate sustainable water resources are available for major new developments and for conservation and enhancement of the natural environment
• maintaining and upgrading the infrastructure.

In determining planning applications, the Mayor will and boroughs should have proper regard to the impact of those proposals on water demand and existing capacity.

The Mayor will and boroughs should apply a maximum water use target of 105 litres per person per day for residential development, adjusting in future years through reviews of the plan, which will take into account the then prevailing standards in the Code for Sustainable Homes.