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Water Saving Washrooms
particularly TMV’s in commercial, education
and hospital washrooms, where water safety
is a priority. Water safety is a critical issue and
growing political pressure is forcing the subjects
of scalding and thermal shock to be taken
more seriously.
A TMV is a mechanical device that mixes hot
and cold water to deliver warm water to the end
user at a safe, pre-set temperature, thus
preventing scalding. The device works by
means of a temperature sensitive part, which
varies the amount of hot and cold water
entering the valve. This delivers mixed water at
a constant temperature and allows for the valve
to shut down if either water supply fails.
TMV’s are a legal requirement in Scotland
and it seems likely they will be incorporated into
the Building Regulations for England and Wales
Mike Dickinson, Product Manager at Pegler Yorkshire,
explains why water safety and water saving products within
washrooms are both of equal importance
ncreasing awareness of environmental systems, from flow regulators, to push-down
issues is leading many to take more and infrared operation, with automatic shut off.
practical steps to reduce water wastage. Safety is supplied via the installation of a
In the drive to conserve resources, it is Thermostatic Mixing Valve or TMV and some
Iimportant to specify products that work manufacturers offer products with a TMV
in tandem to deliver water saving with water included – usually for bath and shower mixers
safety, particularly to protect vulnerable groups where the risk of scalding is greatest.
from hot water scalding in washrooms. Products that encourage sustainable water
From commercial to shopping centres, be it use appear on the Government’s Water
high rise block or small residential home, there Technology List (WTL). These products are
is a need to conserve water and at the same eligible for tax relief and can also save money
time, there may be legal obligations to ensure on water bills. By investing in products on the
the health and safety of the employee, visitor or WTL, tax relief can be claimed through the
residents using washroom facilities. Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme.
Figures from the Bathroom Manufacturers Taps on the WTL are supplied with regulators
Association (BMA) show that the average that reduce the water down to a maximum of
person in Britain uses some 150 litres of water 6.0 l/m or even 4.5 l/m on some models.
per day. This number has risen dramatically in Taps are also available with a push-down facility
the last 25 years and looks set to climb further with automatic shut off – a useful feature when
unless something is done. We are now using dealing with the millions of people who leave
55% more water than 25 years ago and half of taps running without thinking. Look for
this usage is in the bathroom. Water is products with WRAS approval, status on the
perceived as an unlimited resource, but with the WTL and manufacturers with ISO accreditation.
cavalier attitude most of us have towards saving Similarly the BMA launched the Water
water, it is not surprising we have arrived at a Efficiency Labelling Scheme, which offers a
stage where action needs to be taken. further selection of approved taps and other
A variety of products are on the market that water saving sanitary ware. As the trade
will deliver water saving and water safety association for manufacturers of bathroom
washroom solutions. These include flow products in the UK, the BMA is a good place to
regulators for both taps and showers designed start when looking for water efficient products.
to reduce the flow of water and demand Along with the labelling scheme, the BMA also
activated washroom sensors that employ provides a range of materials and fact sheets to
infra-red technology designed to only activate ensure the right product is purchased.
the urinal flush when required, thus saving It is becoming commonplace to ‘design-in’
water. ‘Eco’ taps offer different water saving these products from the start of a project
See inside back cover for Reader Enquiry Card or go online: www.adfonline.eu6
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