Ofwat tells Muslim communities to wash rice and feet less in bid save water

Water industry regulator Ofwat has launched a research project encouraging Asian and Muslim households to reduce the amount of water used for cooking rice and ritual washing.

The project, led by South Staffordshire Water, cost more than £270,000 to conduct - examining ways of encouraging water-saving practices among minority communities in Britain amid drought pressures on water companies this summer.

Researchers focused in part on rice washing, after finding that some households used an average of seven litres of water to clean grains before cooking.

Celebrity chef Ping Coombes, who won MasterChef in 2014, was recruited to promote the guidance, noting it was common practice to wash rice five to seven times until the water ran clear.

The project also examined water use during wudu - the ritual washing performed by Muslims before prayer.

Researchers found that those using a fully running tap could consume between six and 12 litres during a single session.

One point of reference saw a group of Muslim households connected with Cambridge Central Mosque advised to perform wudu using about one litre of water.

The water company estimated this advice could reduce water use substantially, potentially saving up to 55 litres per person each day for those performing the ritual five times.

The study suggested that water-saving messages could be promoted through Islamic television channels and other community networks.

It also cautioned that water companies should "avoid giving the impression" that any particular religion was responsible for excessive water consumption.

The initiative has, however, prompted criticism, with questions over whether billpayers' money should have been used to address cultural and religious practices - while water companies are dealing with leakage from ageing infrastructure.

Mike Wood, the shadow Cabinet Office minister, said reducing water waste was a worthwhile objective, but criticised the spending of customers' money on what he described as “bizarre schemes” focused on cultural and religious practices.

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The controversy comes after an exceptionally dry summer, resulting in hosepipe restrictions for millions up and down the country amid increased pressure on the industry to reduce consumption.

The new scheme comes after the £600m Water Innovation Fund was launched by Ofwat in 2020 to finance research into new approaches to tackling environmental and water-management challenges.

Projects have included encouraging consumers to reduce consumption through rewards and loyalty points.

South Staffordshire Water said water efficiency was an important part of managing resources, and that its engagement reflected the communities served by the company and Cambridge Water.

Ofwat defended the project, echoing how prolonged dry weather created the need to use water more efficiently.

The regulator said the pilot, which ended in April 2025, was developed in collaboration with water companies, charities and multiple faith groups.

Ofwat also stressed that the initiative provided practical suggestions rather than instructions, saying it did not tell people what they could or could not do, and did not interfere with religious worship or customs.