Water is precious - but here in our region, it's under real pressure. Hotter summers and growing demand mean we all need to use water wisely.
Through our plans for 2025-2030, agreed as part of Ofwat's Price Review 2024 (PR24), we're investing to protect water resources, improve resilience and support our communities.
At Cambridge Water, we're committed to doing our part. And with your help, we can go even further.
Why this matters now
Right now, we're using more than we can afford to waste.
Our region is one of the driest parts of the UK, with growing demand from homes, businesses and agriculture. Climate change is bringing hotter, drier summers which are putting even more pressure on our water supplies.
This means there's:
Saving water isn't just about lowering bills - it's about protecting our environment and ensuring reliable supplies for everyone.
What we're doing - 2025 to 2030
As part of our PR24 commitments, we're delivering a programme of investment and improvements to ensure sustainable water supplies. This includes:
Reducing leakage
We're stepping up our efforts to cut leakage significantly, using advanced detection technology and faster repairs - helping to reduce water lost from our network.
Investing in resilient infrastructure
We're upgrading pipes, treatment works and networks to ensure reliable supplies, now and in the future, even during periods of prolonged dry weather.
Protecting rivers and ecosystems
We're reducing the amount of water we take from sensitive sources, helping to restore and protect local chalk streams, rivers and habitats.
Strengthening long-term supplies
We're working with regional partners, such as Anglian Water, to develop new water resources and transfer schemes, making sure water is available where and when it's needed.
Delivering for our customers
Our plan includes clear performance targets, with incentives set by Ofwat to:
What you can do
PR24 places a stronger focus than ever on reducing water use - because saving water is one of the quickest, most cost-effective ways to protect supplies.
That's where you come in.
If every household makes small changes, together we can:
If we all save just a little, we could protect millions of litres of water every day.
Five easy ways to save water today
Cut your shower time
Target: four minutes
Saving just two minutes per shower could save up to 20 litres every time.
Try this - Set a timer, or play a four-minute song
Turn off the tap
Leaving the tap running while brushing your teeth wastes up to six litres per minute.
Simple switch - Turn the tap off while brushing - and only turn it on to rinse
Wait until it's full
Most dishwashers and washing machines use the same amount of water whether full or half empty.
Quick win - Only run them on full (and if you want to save even more water, use eco mode too)
Water smarter, not harder
Watering plants in the daytime means much of it evaporates.
Best time - Early morning or evening
Best tool - A watering can instead of a hose
Fix leaks fast
A dripping tap or a leaky loo can waste thousands of litres a year - which, if you're on a water meter, is adding to your water bill.
Don't wait - Fix it quickly - or let us help if it's outside your property
Make your impact count
You don't need to change everything. Just start somewhere.
Find out how much water you use every day and how we can help you save
Why it matters
Saving water helps to:
Let's do this together
Ensuring a sustainable water future isn't something any organisation can achieve alone. PR24 sets out a clear direction:
Use less water. Waste less water. Protect more water.
By working together - as a community, a region and a company - we can make sure there's enough water for everyone, now and in the future.
Let's save water together - starting today.
