EDITOR’ S CHOICE
FUTURE-PROOFING THE UK’ S WATER SUPPLY
WATER USAGE WILL BE KEY IN FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
The potential longer-term environmental impact of the UKs water deficit could restrict future development. Combining the increasing Per Capital Consumption( PCC) with the UKs growing population means that by 2050 the UK water deficit is predicted to be 5000 mega litres per day.
Future water plans include transporting water across the country and building new reservoirs. However, 65 % of the water deficit will have to be met by a reduction in consumption.
At the 2025 Waterwise Conference, Helen Wakenham, Director of Water, Environment Agency stated that water efficiency‘ should be embedded into the plans we have for housing’. She continued‘ if water efficiency is embedded in our homes and our products it becomes easy to do’
Achieving PCC targets by building water efficient homes
OFWAT have recognised that water efficient homes are the key to reducing consumption and have established basic standards for new build homes. In all new properties, developers will be given financial rewards for designing in basic water conservation measures, known as the Common Environmental Incentive.
Building for Smart Meters Smart meters are seen as a significant part of the solution to reducing domestic water usage – showing savings of 12-17 %. However, existing infrastructure does not provide the best environment for this new technology.
Experience has shown that the most effective method of installing the advanced metering infrastructure is to locate the meter above ground. The Groundbreaker water management system locates the water meter on the exterior wall of the dwelling, providing a perfect location for high technology meters. This provides a safe environment for this advanced technology, extending signal transmission range and allowing for easy meter exchange.
Designing out leak paths
The unique location of Groundbreaker has the additional benefit of allowing for an unjointed water supply, hence maintaining the integrity of the supply. A leak on a pipe joint upstream of the water meter results unseen water loss. Recognised as best practice by Water UK and the Home Builders Federation, this minimises the risk of future leakage on the service pipe.
So, for future proofing water supply and reducing consumption, working with developers to install above ground meters is the long-term solution.
www. groundbreaker. co. uk
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