Water
There are a number of steps any business can take in order to reduce the volume of water it uses. The following pages contain advice on saving water in various areas of a business.
Please see below for useful links and general information on water saving.
Water efficient products
Water saving devices at a glance
Water efficient plumbers
Local Water supplier information
Other water contacts
Water Efficient Products
The British Bathroom Manufacturers Association has developed a water efficient standard for products. The Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme allows consumers to identify and compare products by the levels of water they use. The scheme includes ratings for toilets, baths, showers, and taps.
Although many manufacturers do not display or provide information on the water efficiency of their dishwashers Waterwise has a guide to the most water efficient dishwashers. As yet there is no major water efficiency standard for kitchen appliances.
Water-saving devices at a glance
| Solution | Description | Products Available |
|---|---|---|
| Spray Taps or fix spray nozels to existing taps | Reduces volume coming out of tap. | Ecospray Sirrus Solo Mixer |
| Supply Restricting Valves | Keeps water flow constant despite pressure fluctuations. May prevent and detect leaks. | Marishhower Restrictor-flow Waterfuse |
| Urinal Controls | Cistern only flushes after use. | Smart Flush Magnetic Door switch Infra-red door switch Flush-controller |
| Tap Controls | Switches taps off after certain time. | Tap-off system Aqua Sense Pushtap Press-Air Cormorant |
| Interruption device (cistern flush interruption) in standard toilets | Allows user to flush according to requirements adding more or less water depending on situation | Interflush |
| Water saving device (Cistern Dams) in standard toilets | Reduces the volume of water used during flush. Only suitable in certain short term applications. | Hippo Thames Water Hog Restricta-flush Cistern Dam Eco-Dam |
| Low flush toilets | Reduces the volume of water used during flush. | Evac Sanivac |
| Collect and recycle rainwater | Use for watering garden. | Water Butt |
More information on these water saving ideas is available from Thames Water (see below) and approved devices available in the Water Technology Product List. Also, a step by step guide to water saving from the AEA is available here.
Choosing water efficient plumbers
Choosing efficient products is an important start to saving water - however it is equally important to understand how the products work and in some cases that they are properly installed so that water savings are maximised.
The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers (CIPHE) have created a training scheme - GreenPlumb - for plumbers in water efficiency issues and practicalities. Consumers will be able to select plumbers based on their experience and training in installing water efficient options.
Thames Water information and Services
Water Wise - Is Thames Water's web site on water saving, with a range of information and practical ideas. Thames Water also carries out water audits for companies.
The Commercial Operations Group - Is a consultancy arm of Thames Water. They can offer your company:
- Advice on areas where water efficient techniques could be employed, together with an indication of the cost savings you could achieve.
- A practical plan, identifying the most cost-effective solution for your requirements.
- A comprehensive leakage detection service.
Visit the web-site or Telephone 0208 509 5029. A full colour brochure is available.
Other Sources of Information
The Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme (ECA) - Enables businesses to claim 100% first year capital allowances on investments in technologies and products that encourage sustainable water use. The Water Technology List provides detailed information on the water saving technologies and products that are included in the Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme.
Envirowise WaterNet - Information and free guides on saving water, which can be downloaded or sent to you (Telephone 0800 585794).
Environment Agency - Has a series of helpful pages on water resources, including water saving, fact cards, and details of the Water Efficiency Awards.
Ofwat - The water industry regulator. This site has useful information on contacting and dealing with your water company, including billing, sewerage charges, metering etc. The link is to their site map.
DEFRA - The Government Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This page has extensive information on water quality, resources and strategic information.
The National Water Demand Management Centre - Has a series of documents on water saving, mainly concerning specific appliances, such as heating systems, spray taps, etc. Summaries are available through the web site, or Telephone 01903 832275.
How does the water cycle work? - The Water in Schools pages have a useful basic description of the flow of water from rain to rivers, through treatment, distribution and usage, and back to the clouds. Follow the link The Network Challenge and go into FAQs to find the water cycle link.
