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Rewarding rainwater reuse in new housing developments — UK

Solution Introduce incentives for developers to incorporate rainwater harvesting and reuse systems into new housing developments, particularly for non-potable uses such as toilet flushing Key challenge The current regulatory framework is fragmented, alternative water sources are not required under Building Regulations, and developers face additional cost, risk, and delivery complexity when considering shared reuse systems Context The proposal responds to rising surface water flood risk and growing water stress in the UK. It highlights the case for using rainwater for non-drinking purposes to reduce demand for treated water, improve resilience, and lower household water use. Solution in practice The proposal sets out three mechanisms to accelerate adoption: faster water utility connection approvals for developments that include rainwater reuse, tax treatment that supports investment in water-related resilience measures, and matched funding from insurers and water companies for preventative action. Impact / outcome Policy proposal - no outcomes reported yet. Organizations involved Authoring: UK Parliament (Julia Buckley MP) Implementation partners Infrastructure Owners & Operators; Property value chain stakeholders; Regulators & Policymakers; Insurers

Locations
Europe, United Kingdom
Operating model
Public-private partnership
Intervention type
2. Paying for resilience: financing structures that make investment viable
Action area
2b. Crowding in private capital
Property type
Residential
Primary beneficiaries
Infrastructure Owners & Operators, Insureds (Businesses, Homeowners), Property value chain stakeholders
Peril(s)
Multiple perils, Other, Flooding

Resilient Futures Initiative

A World Economic Forum Initiative