Scotland
UK
Ireland
London
The Scottish Government has announce new labelling to protect water supplies and cut energy bills.
Taps, showers, dishwashers and washing machines could all have new water efficiency labels, in a move which will help save 1,200 million litres of water a day - the equivalent of 480 Olympic swimming pools across the UK.
The plans, subject to a 12-week consultation, will encourage the purchase of more water-efficient products and help customers manage their water and energy bills.
The proposals aim to introduce a separate water label from the existing energy label for display on toilets, urinals, kitchen sink taps, bathroom basin taps, non-electric shower outlet devices and shower assembly solutions, dishwashers, washing machines and combination washer/dryers.
The consultation is being run jointly by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Scottish Government and other devolved governments.
Environment Minister Mairi McAllan said: "Climate change is affecting Scotland's water resources and we must take action to ensure we manage them efficiently. The prolonged dry weather in recent months demonstrated just how precious – and vulnerable - our natural water resources are to a changing climate.
"Simply by improving labelling, we can make it easier for people to check how water efficient their appliances are, and help them choose the efficient and climate-friendly option where they are able."
