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."