BALI launches water use consultation for members

The Association recognises its responsibility to represent members' interests, which is why it is actively engaging with the Government’s water agenda. To fulfil this role effectively, the Water Use Consultation was created for members to complete. This survey is designed to gather comprehensive insights into how water is utilised across our membership. By analysing these patterns of use, the Association will identify key trends and areas where support can be provided to members and Government processes challenged. 

The BALI water use consultation can be found here.

Background

The Government's water agenda encompasses a comprehensive approach to managing the nation's water resources, addressing key challenges such as general water usage, wastage, pollution, and the resilience of water infrastructure. This agenda is driven by the need to ensure sustainable water supplies for future generations, protection of the environment, and hold water companies accountable for their impact on the ecosystem.

BALI supports these positive steps, however, the long-term concern that the reforms continue to overlook the critical role of the landscape and horticulture industries continues. Much of the focus remains on agriculture, as demonstrated by the government’s recent efforts to help farmers reduce water usage and tackle pollution. While these initiatives are important, they are heavily weighted towards the agricultural sector, leaving other key stakeholders, such as landscapers and horticulturalists, underrepresented in water management strategies. The most glaring example of this is the omission of the landscaping sector from the UK Water Industry Research Code of Practice guidance paper.

The Government has successfully engaged with farmers to promote water efficiency and pollution control through targeted schemes and support. Initiatives have been launched to help farmers adopt more sustainable practices, such as installing efficient irrigation systems, funding for reservoirs, the review of abstraction licenses and the creation of buffer zones to reduce runoff. These efforts are commendable and essential for protecting water resources, but they highlight a recurring issue: the lack of equivalent support and recognition for our landscape and horticulture industry.

The Association recognises that landscape contractors, growers and suppliers also face significant challenges related to water management, such as runoff, targeted irrigation, temporary use bans, and sustainable water use in both urban and rural environments. Our members play a vital role in designing, constructing, and maintaining green spaces, contributing to water conservation, pollution reduction and general wellbeing. Yet, despite these contributions, members and the wider industry often remain on the periphery of water management discussions in Government and end up struggling with drought and temporary use ban conditions due to the lack of support.

The landscape industry’s expertise in creating permeable surfaces, rain gardens, and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) can help mitigate flooding and improve water quality. However, there is little in the current government initiatives that directly address the needs of the landscaping sector, nor provide the industry with the necessary support to implement these solutions at scale.

The Association urges the government to ensure that the landscaping industry is fully integrated into the implementation of future water management initiatives. By including our landscaping sector as a key stakeholder, the government can unlock additional opportunities for innovation and collaboration, leading to more comprehensive and effective water management strategies across the UK that work to their best ability all year round.

Whether through advocating for enhanced Government guidance and legislation or by promoting best practices in water usage to members, the Association is refreshing its approach to the way water is used in the industry and looks forward to engaging with members.

The BALI water use consultation can be found here.