Water

On-Site Treatment of Foul Water

Some modern Energy Efficient housing projects such as BedZED carry out on-site treatment of contaminated foul water by incorporating small-scale sewerage treatment systems, these are biological systems, what they do is extract the nutrients from human waste for plant food and then process the water to a standard, which allows it to be recycled for toilet flushing.

Greywater Irrigation

Greywater is water from sinks, washing machines and showers that has not been contaminated by human waste. Greywater plumbing separates the waste pipes from sinks, washing machines and showers from the toilet waste. Graywater drains direct water to a holding tank which is similar to a septic tank, this water is then used for purposes such as watering plants, lawns and gardens. Utilizing this recycling process cuts down on the use of potable water for outside irrigation and lawn watering.

On Demand Hot Water Pump

Using such a pump means hot water can be sent to fixtures in seconds without wasting water running taps while waiting for the water to heat up. It is used to rapidly move water from a water heater to fixtures. Incorporated in the water heater is a control system which stops heating the water when it reaches a pre-set temperature, which is beneficial as water and energy are saved since water does not have to be run and wasted until it reaches the correct temperature for use. On average the hot water arrives 5 times faster.

Low Flow Toilets

Low Flow toilets can be fitted in new environmentally conscious developments to save on water use old, toilets use in the region of 5-7 gallons per flush, modern low flow models use 1.6 gallons per flush. It is highly recommended that low flush toilets are fitted, it is estimated that using low flow toilets may save up to 22,000 gallons of water per year for a family of four.

Flow Restrictors

Flow restrictors can be fitted to showers, taps and reduce the water flow rate; they can cut water flow by around 40% with little noticeable effect.

Water Leak Detection Devices

In new developments Warning systems are incorporated for property owners so leaks can be dealt with immediately, preserving water.