Other Water Savings

Water saving technologies


Water-efficient showerheads
New water-efficient showerheads use technology that can produce water flows that feel far higher than they actually are - an easy way to save both water and energy.  Typically a water efficient showerhead will need exceed 10L/min flow rates, with flows between 6-8L/min recommended.  They are most effective on power and mixer showers with a high flow rate. You should not install a low-flow showerhead to an electric shower as this could cause possible dangerous damage to your shower unit.

Low-flush toilets
Toilet flushing constitutes a significant part of daily household an business water use.  A large percentage of UK toilets still use cisterns that deliver up to 13 litres per flush, which is quite wasteful.  The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 require all new toilet cisterns purchased to not exceed a single flush volume of 6 litres.   Dual-flush toilets have become very common and typically deliver flushes of 6/4litres and 4/3litres.  Opting to replace old cisterns with new low-flush toilets will deliver significant water resource and bill savings.

Water-efficient appliances
Looking to replace water-using appliances such as dishwashers or washing machines? Look for products with the new Water Efficient Product Label - the Waterwise Marque - and the Energy Saving Recommended mark, as these models can help you to save water, energy and money.

Lower flow and sensor taps
Taps with a low flow rate can be fitted to bathrooms and kitchen sinks. Click point taps are better for kitchen sink taps; aerated or regulated flow taps are more suitable for a bathroom sink.  Sensor taps are recommended for bathrooms in commercial buildings as they provide a set amount of water per use and reduce the risk of taps being left on unnecessarily.

Water efficiency labelling


To help you identify products that are water-efficient, the new European Water Label allows you to compare hundreds of products that meet up to the standards of the industry for water efficiency.  The new Water Label abel currently focuses at bathroom products, but will include other water devices from 2013 onwards. For more details of the label and help to find and compare products, visit the Water Label site.

Saving money on hot water


Water heated by a boiler
In most homes and businesses, the hot water is supplied by the main central heating boiler, either directly if it is a combi boiler, or from a hot water cylinder. Often there will be an electric immersion heater in the cylinder as well.
Find out more about controls that will let you run your domestic boiler more efficiently.

Water heated by immersion
In some homes, particularly those with electric storage heaters, the water can only be heated by immersion heater. There may be two immersions, one in the top of the cylinder and one in the bottom. Usually the bottom heater comes on at night, and heats the whole cylinder using cheap off-peak electricity. The top heater is used to provide additional hot water during the day if required, using expensive peak rate electricity.
Tip – DO NOT leave a peak rate immersion heater on all day and all night. You will waste a lot of money keeping water hot when you don’t need it.
Find out about using controls for your system that will use less energy and save you money. 

WRAP

The Rippleffect
The Rippleffect is a free initiative from WRAP to help businesses of all sizes reduce their water use and save money. The Rippleffect provides businesses with a straightforward and structured approach to help to:
  • understand how much water a business uses;
  • identify simple ways to start saving water and money;
  • measure the water and cost savings that have been made
  • learn about 'quick win' water saving devices.
[Further details] and additional WRAP articles and publications: