Even at a time of ‘nationally significant water shortfall’1, a lot of the negative mindset from the UK public with regard to water is, that as a natural resource, it should be freely available. However, the cost of maintaining a continuous, and unlimited supply to an increasing population continually grows. Whether this is in regard to processing costs or upgrading of infrastructure to accommodate growing populations and increased per capital usage.
Pre privatisation, many water supplies were smaller than the standard 25mm supply pipes typically used today. Especially in high pressure areas, that means that water can be supplied up to 6 times the legally required minimum.
The constant media mindset on the failures of the water industry, with the focus on the wastewater processing (or lack of it) and the financial inequity between shareholders and consumers, has created an environment where the public can be reluctant to engage with conservation messaging. Whether the Cunliffe report and the resulting changes in the structure of the water industry will change mindsets, the current supply situation means that water companies cannot sit back and wait.
OFWAT recognised that water efficient homes are the key reduce consumption. A ‘fit and forget’ approach is more effective than relying on public engagement. One of their last policy directives was to established basic standards for new build homes. The Common Environmental Incentive applies to all new homes, and whilst this is a move in the right direction, action also needs to be taken in older properties.
Alongside smart meter rollouts, many of the UKs major water companies are installing a whole site flow regulator, such as Groundbreaker’s NRv2 LoFlo®. These modulate the flow entering customer premises, so limiting the amount used by the customer. Without a degradation of service or any behavioural change, there is a ‘natural’ reduction in consumption. As these products are fitted to the main water supply, and not each individual outlet they remove any risk of consumer interference and ensure that minimum standards of water supply are maintained as specified within the Water Industry Act and Water Fittings Regulations.
Groundbreaker’s NRv2 LoFlo® has several flow modulation ranges are available which enable the perfect balance between usage reduction and service provision, trials have demonstrated water savings of up to 11l per person per day.
In trials2, Groundbreaker’s NRv2 LoFlo® has been shown to double the reduction in per capita consumption compared to smart meter installation alone. With a fitting time of less than 5 minutes installation costs are virtually zero, especially when fitted alongside a new meter.
There is an added benefit, the Groundbreaker’s LoFlo Check Valve systems have the unique property of providing whole site protection against contamination by back flow (up to fluid category 2) as standard, so protecting the water network.
At a marginal increase in cost to an existing smart meter installation programme, the consumption savings make a strong argument for including flow regulators in all meter installation or exchange programmes.
For further details please contact Groundbreaker Systems at
www.groundbreaker.co.uk
References
1 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/national-drought-group-meets-to-address-nationally-significant-water-shortfall
2 Waterwise Conference 2024
