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.

Organizations involved Authoring: UK Parliament (Julia Buckley MP) Implementation partners Infrastructure Owners & Operators; Property value chain stakeholders; Regulators & Policymakers; Insurers