The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has revealed a proposed solution to water shortages that are hindering housebuilding plans. The government's analysis suggests the solution could also save families £111 annually on utility bills.

The proposals will affect new build homes by implementing stricter water efficiency standards. This could mean new homes having compulsory water-saving features like aerated taps and showerheads as well as dual flush toilets.

These potential changes could make new builds more water efficient, saving families around 20 litres per person per day, leading to a financial savings of £111 a year on energy and water bills. Consequently, this could also free up water reserves for future housebuilding projects which had been stalling due to water scarcity.

The department hopes thiscould assist in delivering the government's pledge of building 1.5 million homes by 2030. The proposals will be scrutinised during a 12-week consultation starting today (September 23).

Other innovations and changes, like using harvested rainwater to flush toilets, are also being considered in a call to evidence that's running alongside the consultation. The measures could also benefit the environment by reducing the amount of water that needs to be taken from rivers, lakes and chalk streams.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds has stated: "We are getting Britain building faster, and a key element to growth is smarter water consumption. Removing the water shortage barriers that have stalled development for too long will mean unlocking thousands of new homes while saving families money.

"Not only will this make customer bills cheaper; it will protect the environment and unlock thousands of new homes as part of our Plan for Change."

The proposed changes would alter the current Building Regulations 2010 Part G2, which ministers have labelled as "insufficient to meet the parallel challenges of housing delivery and water conservation" in its existing state.

Dr. Tom Dollard, Chair of the Good Homes Alliance, commented: "Our membership is facing real challenges in delivering new homes due to a lack of water capacity in their areas.

"If we are to meet the Government housing delivery targets and unlock economic growth then we must start building more 'water smart' homes and neighbourhoods.

"We would like to see a refreshed Part G that is aligned to the water neutrality hierarchy, and a fittings-based approach combined with a water labelling scheme that would deliver water efficient homes at scale across the UK.

"We encourage all stakeholders from across industry to respond to this important consultation."