Water-efficient appliances can be installed in homes and offices at little or no extra cost. In a metered building they will reduce water bills. Where hot water use is reduced, savings will be made on energy bills.
Far too many developments use more water than they should. Taking steps to save water can save you money and protect supplies.
Building water-saving measures into your development can do a lot to reduce overall demand. They are viewed positively by
- the Environment Agency
- water companies
- planning authorities.
Water efficiency targets
The Code for Sustainable Homes includes targets for water efficiency. These targets allow buyers to compare the environmental performance of new homes. View the technical guide from link below:
In London, the Mayor has set a minimum water efficiency standard for new residential developments of 110 litres, per head, per day. Our own research has shown that this standard can be achieved in new buildings at very little cost.
Techniques to save water
You can save water in your development by installing or using:
- water-efficient appliances and fittings, such as 'A-rated' washing machines, low-flow taps and showers and low or dual-flush toilets;
- leak-detection systems for major supplies;
- rainwater harvesting and re-use systems;
- drought-resistant landscaping.
Even simple measures can help. For example, good plumbing design, such as reducing the length of hot water pipe-work or decreasing the diameter of pipes will reduce the amount of time people have to wait for water to run hot. This will reduce the amount of water wasted and save energy as less hot water will be allowed to cool in the pipe between uses. Saving water and energy will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. View our Conserving Water in Buildings publication for practical guidance:
Get permission
As water supplies are so precious, it is vital we protect them properly. We do this through a system of consents.
You must contact us if you are likely to be:
- abstracting water from surface or underground sources;
- interrupting the flow or impounding water from a watercourse;
- drilling any boreholes within 16m of any flood defence structure;
- discharging to a watercourse or into the ground.
Your development can play a vital role in securing future supplies. Work closely with the water companies to plan new supplies and design water-efficient homes.
New water supplies
Introducing new water supplies can take considerable time to plan and bring on stream. If you want a company (usually a water company) to supply water, liaise with them while you are still choosing your site - don't just assume they can provide your development with the necessary water and supply infrastructure.
Contact us for valuable information on water resources, water companies, water efficiency and specific supply and infrastructure issues. We can show you maps of Groundwater Source Protection Zones and explain possible restrictions on building in them.
