This week’s Letter from Westminster comes from Newbury MP Richard Benyon. He writes:

As a nation, we have lost touch with water - where it comes from, why it matters so much in all our lives and how what we do with it directly impacts people and the environment.

The Love Water campaign, backed by more than 40 environmental groups, charities, water companies and regulators, is encouraging everyone to make the connection between the water that comes out of our taps and our local rivers, lakes, reservoirs and the sea, making us think more about those little things we do in our daily lives and the small changes we can make to achieve a big difference.

The average person uses a staggering 150 litres of water a day and water supplies in England are under increased threat due to climate change and population growth.

Many of us are unaware of the adverse effects of actions like tipping waste liquids down roadside drains, flushing wet wipes or washing up greasy pans in the sink, which can end up harming wildlife and affecting water quality in local rivers, lakes and the sea.

The campaign aims to encourage us all to use less water all year round and to take positive steps to reduce water pollution.

In West Berkshire, we are lucky to have four chalk streams which are among the most precious and most threatened eco-systems in the world.

Shortly before Parliament rose, I was able to speak in a passionate debate with a number of MPs saying that it is hard for the United Kingdom to speak with the necessary authority on conservation matters whilst so many of our chalk streams are suffering from low flows and pollution.

Rivers like the Lambourn and the Kennet are designated at international level as being of the highest conservation status and I will continue to campaign against over-abstraction or any activity that threatens the health of these unique eco-systems.

Getting out and about to enjoy local waterways is part of the aim of the Love Water campaign and there are plenty of local volunteering opportunities on the Canal & River Trust website.

On Saturday, September 14, the Renewal Project is holding its annual river clean-up, removing litter from in and around the River Lambourn where it flows through Turnpike in Newbury, helping keep it healthy for wildlife.

A real example of loving water in action.