Blog: Water Scarcity in the South East: Why it Matters and What Can Be Done

Introduction

Water is a vital resource, yet in the South East of England, we are facing increasing pressure on our water supplies. With a growing population, climate change, and periods of drought, water scarcity is becoming a significant challenge for the region. According to Southern Water, the South East is officially classed as a ‘water-stressed area’, meaning demand for water often exceeds the available supply. But what does this mean for organisations, and what steps can be taken to reduce consumption and protect our future water resources?

Why Water Scarcity Matters

Southern Water highlights that the South East has less rainfall per person than many Mediterranean countries yet demand for water continues to rise. This situation leads to:

Stress on natural water sources – rivers and underground aquifers are overused, harming ecosystems and wildlife.
Increased risk of hosepipe bans and water restrictions, especially during dry summers.
Pressure on water infrastructure to keep up with growing demand and environmental targets.

Without action, the problem will worsen. Climate change is bringing hotter, drier summers and less predictable rainfall. Combined with rapid housing and commercial development in the region, this creates an urgent need for everyone, including businesses and public sector organisations, to reduce water usage.

What Can Be Done?

Southern Water encourages households and organisations to:

Use water-efficient fixtures and fittings.
Educate people about water-saving habits.
Install smart technologies to reduce wastage.
Monitor and manage leaks effectively.

For organisations operating across the South East, such as hospitals, universities, commercial offices, and public buildings, making small changes in daily water use can add up to significant savings.

How Cistermiser Can Help

At Cistermiser, we design innovative products that reduce water wastage without compromising performance or hygiene standards. Our range of solutions includes:

Easyflush EVO – An award-winning electronic dual flush valve for WC cisterns that delivers water-saving flushes every time, eliminating leaks from faulty flush valves and reducing wastage.
Infrared Taps and Washroom Controls – Promoting efficient water use by delivering controlled flow rates and automatic shut-off, reducing the risk of taps being left running.
Hydraulic and Infrared Urinal Flush Controls – Optimising urinal flushing to match usage and time of day, reducing unnecessary water use.

By installing Cistermiser products, organisations can play their part in tackling water scarcity while also reducing utility costs, improving sustainability credentials, and meeting their environmental responsibilities.

Conclusion

Water scarcity in the South East is a serious issue that requires urgent action from us all. From individuals to large organisations, using water wisely and investing in water-saving technology is critical to protecting our future supplies.

If you would like to find out how Cistermiser products can help your organisation reduce water consumption and support sustainability goals, get in touch with our team today. Together, we can make a difference in preserving the South East’s precious water resources.

Learn more here.