<p>The government is considering mandating new minimum water efficiency standards for new homes, as part of its plan to deliver “clean and plentiful water”.</p><p>The Department for Environment, Food &amp; Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has launched its new <a href="http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/plan-for-water-our-integrated-plan-for-delivering-clean-and-plentiful-water?pk_campaign=newsletter_6121">Plan for Water</a>, which includes a possible stipulation for water usage in England of 105 litres per person per day for new homes, with this dropping to 100 litres “where there is a clear local need, such as in areas of serious water stress”. </p><p>This suggested minimum water efficiency standard compares to the current Building Regulations Part G in which the water usage limit is 125 litres per person per day.</p><p>The government department stated it was working with the Future Homes Hub and Cranfield University to develop guidance on its approach to improve new schemes’ water efficiency. It said this would be done “without creating additional barriers or delays to development”. </p><p>There will be minimum product standards developed for water efficiency, including for showers, taps and toilets, following the launch of the government’s mandatory water efficiency label. DEFRA said it intended to deliver its mandatory water efficiency labelling scheme by 2025 and would also strengthen consumer information on water usage.</p><p>It plans, as part …