Blog: Preparing for DEFRA’s Future: How Cistermiser Supports UK’s 2038 & 2050 Leak Reduction Goals

Introduction

Water is one of the UK’s most valuable resources—and one of the most at risk. According to industry data, billions of litres of water are lost each day through leaks across our networks and within buildings. Recognising this, DEFRA has set ambitious new targets: to reduce water leakage by 9% by 2038 and by 50% by 2050. These milestones are designed not only to protect water supplies for future generations but also to help organisations operate more sustainably and cost-effectively.

For facilities managers, property owners, and businesses, this means a clear call to action: take proactive steps now to prevent unnecessary water loss.

The Impact of DEFRA’s Leak Reduction Targets

DEFRA’s targets reflect a broader shift toward environmental responsibility, resource security, and regulatory compliance.

For organisations, these goals present both a challenge and an opportunity:

Compliance Pressure – Meeting leakage targets will become part of wider regulatory expectations, meaning companies need to demonstrate clear action plans.
Financial Efficiency – Reducing water loss can significantly lower utility bills, offering both immediate and long-term savings.
Reputation & Sustainability – Businesses that lead on water conservation are better positioned to showcase their environmental commitment and attract eco-conscious customers and partners.

Challenges in Meeting the Targets

While the goals are commendable, achieving them will require meaningful change. Many buildings—especially older ones—still operate with outdated washroom systems where uncontrolled water use, leaks, or continuous flow can add up to vast amounts of wasted water. Common challenges include:

Inefficient urinal and toilet flushing systems running on fixed schedules.
Undetected leaks from taps, pipes, and showers.
Lack of visibility into water usage, making monitoring and control difficult.

Without smart solutions, these issues can make compliance with DEFRA’s ambitious targets far more difficult.

How Cistermiser Can Help

For over 40 years, Cistermiser has been at the forefront of water-saving innovation in commercial washrooms. Our sensor-based controls and automatic shut-off systems are specifically designed to reduce water wastage without compromising on hygiene or user experience.

Urinal Flushing Controls: Our hydraulic or infrared urinal flush controls ensure urinals only flush when needed, stopping the costly problem of continuous flushing.
Toilet Flushing Solutions: Dual flush and smart controls reduce unnecessary water use while still maintaining hygiene and performance.
Infrared Taps: Touch-free operation reduces water waste and improves hygiene, giving visitors confidence in shared facilities.
Shower Controls: Designed to deliver the right flow while preventing wastage, perfect for parks with changing facilities or overnight accommodation.
Washroom Control Systems: A complete water and energy management solution. Sensazone uses motion sensors to control water, lighting, and ventilation, only operating when washrooms are occupied. This saves significant costs while reducing environmental impact.

By adopting Cistermiser’s solutions, businesses can align with DEFRA’s long-term strategy today, future-proofing their facilities while achieving immediate cost savings.

Conclusion

DEFRA’s 2038 and 2050 leak reduction targets underline a critical national commitment: to safeguard water resources for future generations. For businesses, they mark a turning point—compliance will no longer be optional, but proactive strategies can deliver both environmental and financial wins.

Is your business ready for DEFRA’s future? Take control of your water usage today with Cistermiser’s market-leading leak prevention and water-saving technologies.

Contact Cistermiser today to discuss how we can help you meet tomorrow’s targets starting today. Learn more here.