The Waterwise Project

This article is about a human endeavor to use water wisely, for the vine plant called a water-wise see Vitis tiliifolia .
The Waterwise Project
Founded September 2005
Type Not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation
Focus Sustainable water consumption and water efficiency
Location
  • London, United Kingdom
Method Campaigning, influencing policy, research, consultancy
Revenue
£300,000 (excluding projects, consultancy, and sponsorship)
Website www.waterwise.org.uk

The Waterwise Project is an independent not-for-profit, non-governmental organization promoting water efficiency and conservation based in London, UK.

The organization is focused on decreasing water consumption in the UK by 2010 and on building a robust evidence base for large-scale water efficiency projects. Waterwise is the UK’s water “efficiency champion” – “reaching the parts others cannot reach, and transform[ing] the concept of water resource efficiency into something compelling for consumers and business users.”[1]

Founding and aims

Waterwise was established due to concerns of waters shortage and the upward trend in how much water is consumed in the UK. Factors that were taken into account were: current drought situation, geographical and climatological circumstances, consumer tendencies, available resources, and future prospects of supply. The following examples, situations, and comparisons were contemplated:

In 2006, all 26 UK water companies decided to establish an independent organisation which would promote water efficiency.[3] In September 2006, The Waterwise Project was launched to build an evidence base and economic case for water efficiency in the UK.[4] In England, the organisation sits on the Environment Minister’s Water Saving Group, alongside the water industry and regulators.[5][4] It was established with the stance that the key to water efficiency is reducing waste, not restricting use.[6]

Waterwise has an independent Board, which is drawn from the government, regulators, academia, business, other organisations, and from the water industry. The board meets four times a year and is responsible for overseeing Waterwise’s activities and its strategic direction.

Waterwise's initial remit ran until September 2010. It has been renewed for an additional five years. Its aim is to decrease per capita consumption in the UK, and to build a strong social, political, and economic case for water efficiency.

Audience and partners

Waterwise is effectively a facilitator: its job is to enable, to promote dialogue, to establish a common evidence base and to develop partnerships and share ideas. Waterwise is keen to work with anyone who shares their aim and would welcome everyone’s help.

—Maria Adebowale, Board Chair of Waterwise, Founder Director of Capacity Global

Waterwise works with all sectors of society to promote water efficiency and the wise use of water. To achieve their aims they work with key partners in water companies, governments (local, regional, and national), regulators, farmers, communities, businesses, civil society organisations, manufacturers, retailers, press and media, and individual consumers.

Activities and events

Waterwise participates in and leads various projects and events in order to complete their objectives:

The Waterwise Recommended Checkmark helps consumers make water wise buying choices

See also

References

External links