Water poverty still persists in the UK – how can we achieve water justice?

By Renee Karunungan

 

“Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.”
-W.H.Auden

 

Water, the essence of life, is a symbol of equity, sustainability, and the fight against systemic disparities. Understanding water justice is not just about access to clean water; on a larger scale, it is about acknowledging the profound impact of water on marginalised communities and the environment as a whole. On World Water Day we come together to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.  

Water justice is not something that we hear about much in the UK but it emphasises that access to clean and safe water is a fundamental human right. Unfortunately, this basic necessity is not universally enjoyed, even in the UK, vulnerable communities disproportionately bear the brunt of water pollution, scarcity, and inadequate infrastructure. 

According to research by Sylvester and Mdee (2023), water poverty means that some families struggle to afford their water bills, causing financial and social problems. This issue started to become more serious in England and Wales in the 1990s, especially after the water industry was privatised, as the industry has been seen to prioritise business interests and profit over customer well-being, public health and the environment. Even though laws were put in place to stop companies from disconnecting households, the root problems of unfair pricing and affordability for vulnerable families were not fixed and continue to be a problem today.

While some discussions blame struggling families for high bills, research shows it’s more complicated, with many families struggling to prioritise essential expenses. A report by Water UK found that “from 2019-2020, 6.3% of English households spent more than 5% of their household disposable income (after housing costs) on their water bill, with 8.7% in Wales. While 17.4% of English households spent more than 3%, with Welsh households topping a huge 27.2%.” Though support has improved, around 1 million people in  England and Wales who need help aren’t getting it. The situation also differs between water companies, creating more inequalities based on where you live and your income.

The researchers suggest that, beyond short-term aid, we need to change how the water system works to truly solve water poverty by 2030, tackling issues like unfair pricing, debt recovery, funding gaps, and the reliance on customers to pay for infrastructure. For example, last month the Guardian reported that Thames Water was lobbying the government to let them increase customers’ bills by a whopping 40%. 

As climate change exacerbates water-related challenges, the need for water justice becomes even more pronounced. Solutions must not only mitigate the effects of climate change but also prioritise the resilience of vulnerable populations.

In the pursuit of environmental justice, water justice emerges as a catalyst for change, addressing disparities that often go unnoticed. The quest for clean and universal access to water is a national concern that demands collective action and policy changes. By embracing the principles of water justice, we not only safeguard the well-being of marginalised communities but also foster a more sustainable and equitable future for our planet.