Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley calls for rainwater systems to be standard in new homes
Julia Buckley says harvesting and reusing rainwater could cut household water bills, reduce pressure on drinking water supplies and help prevent flooding
A Shrewsbury MP is calling for rainwater harvesting systems to become a standard feature of new housing developments across the UK.
Julia Buckley joined representatives from rainwater harvesting company Stormsaver at Downing Street this week to hand in a letter to the Prime Minister calling for the systems to be included in new homes.
The proposals would allow rainwater collected from roofs to be stored and reused for tasks such as flushing toilets, watering gardens and washing cars, reducing the amount of treated drinking water households need.
Ms Buckley said the approach could also help reduce household bills and ease pressure on drainage systems during heavy rainfall.
She has been championing the issue through a Private Member's Bill, arguing that new homes should be designed with growing pressure on water supplies in mind.
She said: "Such a system of rainwater harvesting will cut household bills, help reduce flooding, and would be better for the environment.
"I support the Government's commitment to building the homes the country needs, but we must also ensure they're fit for a future where water is an increasingly precious resource."
Ms Buckley said rainwater reuse could help reduce demand for drinking water as shortages are expected to worsen in the years ahead.
She added: "The UK cannot continue to build homes without addressing the growing pressure on our water supply. Measures like rainwater harvesting and reuse can help reduce demand on drinking water and improve resilience."