There exists today a global water crisis, but the crisis is not simply about satisfying our essential needs, it is a crisis of managing water so badly that billions of people—and the environment—suffer. Shortages have less to do with climate change and more to do with population growth and inefficiency - especially relevant on this island.

The UK water supply is under great pressure in parts and continued sourcing of water from rivers and groundwater sources is not sustainable as these systems are not easily replenished and support very delicate eco sytems. Aside from sourcing supplies, processing water from heating, pumping, chemical treatment and treating waste water sewerage requires enormous amount of energy and carries a carbon burden equivalent to that of airline transport.  

The changing global weather patterns are to be seen in ireland and the UK where  rainfall has become more unpredictable and unseasonal. To replenish groundwater levels a steady seasonal rainfall is required but heavy unseasonal spells tend to be lost to the sea as catchment systems cannot handle the intense rainfall.  On a global scale it is well recognised that there is a crisis looming and  unlike a financial crisis which will pass, crashing of the water cycle system is irreversibe.

The solution is to use only what you need and use it more effectively.  

Besides shower duration- the showerhead flow rate and the effectiveness of that flow rate determines the biggest influence on water consumption in the home. 

"The wise use of water is essential, not only to meet present needs, but in order to ensure that we do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." The Environment Agency

Everybody knows the value of water...

• The UK has less available water per person than Spain.  The South East region has less available water per person than Morrocco.   London has less annual rainfall than Rome or Naples.
• There are an estimated 6 billion people in the world today and 9 billion projected for 2040.  Nearly half of the earths populations live in a water stressed regions already. Another relevant prediction is that ten years will see the grain crop contract by one third for the lack of water.
• Each person in the UK consumes an average 150 litres every day within the household alone.  Ideal sustainable targets for the UK are as low as 80 litres per person. 
• Heating water for personal washing will consume the bulk of every day energy as households reach energy efficient optimums. The Energy Savings Trust estimate this figure will be 70% of household energy for heating water alone.   See EST and Enviro Agency Energy and Water report .
• Water Companies in stressed regions of the UK have reviewed where future water supllies will come from and barges towing mega litre bags of freshwater from Nordic fjords has been investigated for previous shortages in the south east region.
• Envirowise research found that 70% of UK sustainability experts believe dwindling water resources to be as big an impact threat as carbon emissions and 54% believe the worlds water resources will be in crisis before a global oil crisis becomes a reality.  

"In an age when man has forgotten his origins and is blind even to his most essential needs for survival, water along with other resources has become the victim of his indifference."   Rachel Carson (1907–1964), Marine Biologist