New research from the University of Surrey and more than 100 professionals across the water sector has revealed a major knowledge gap: despite Government targets to cut household demand, the sector still has many unanswered questions about how to change behaviour.

Behavioural change will be the key driver of change, with Dr Pablo Pereira Doel noting: "Technology and behaviour change should work hand in hand. We need to design solutions that fit into real people’s lives – that means understanding the barriers they face, the routines they follow, and what actually motivates change. The sector has the tools, but to use them effectively, it must put people at the heart of the strategy."

England is projected to face a daily shortfall of five billion litres of freshwater by 2055. The Environment Agency plans to meet 60 0er cent of that gap through demand reduction, but there’s growing recognition that achieving this will require more than just installing smart meters and fixing leaks.

Led by researchers at the University of Surrey’s Institute for Sustainability, the project brought together stakeholders from 60 organisations, including nine UK water companies, policy bodies, manufacturers and innovators.

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