How to: Reduce your water usage
Minimising water wastage is an increasingly important aspect to bathroom design which will have a positive impact on both your household bills but on the environment as well. Water usage within bathrooms can really vary depending on the showerhead you use, the type of flushplate you have and of course the way you use your bathroom, so it’s important to consider which products will help you minimise wastage, without minimising your enjoyment of the bathroom.
“We can all do our bit to reduce water wastage and the bathroom is a great place to start. Here are some of the key things to consider when designing a bathroom which minimises water wastage.”
-Dena Kirby, Senior Designer Ripples Harpenden
Dual flush WC
Dual flush options are simple but efficient if used correctly. Around 30% of water used within a household is used to flush the WC - this is around 13 litres per flush. A dual flushplate gives you the opportunity to choose between a flush which expels more water and one that releases enough for standard use, saving on average around 9 litres of water per flush. It is also a good idea to familiarise yourself with your WC’s water label as it provides information on the average water use for that product.
Did you know about 30% of household water consumption comes from flushing the WC?
Heated towel rails
Towel rails may not be an obvious water-saving solution but they will save your towel's shelf life and consequently, the water needed to wash them. When towels are left to dry at a slower rate, they provide a great environment for bacteria as they remain damp and therefore need washing more regularly. It is recommended that towels are used around three times between washes and this is only if they have been able to dry fully. So, investing in a heated towel rail would offer great water-saving opportunities as well as the luxury of a warm towel after your shower.
Smart showers
A great way to control your water usage is by introducing technology into your bathroom. Smart showers allow you to control everything from the water flow rate to the water temperature and all from an app which the whole family can use. Smart showers achieve their effectiveness by incorporating air into the water stream, creating smaller water droplets that provide a satisfying shower experience whilst using less water than a conventional shower. By conserving water, these showers will reduce the amount of water and energy used in your home, whilst also contributing to the preservation of our planet’s water resources.
Did you know, an average shower takes 10 minutes which uses 150 litres of water?
Taps
It’s not just showers that can use technology to save water, basin mixers can also offer the same technology. One of the most common reasons behind water wastage is a leaking faucet, so with technology such as sensor-activated taps, water is only dispensed when activated and therefore cannot leak.
For more bathroom advice from our team of specialist bathroom designers, download or request a copy of our free Style Guide.
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