WASTE MANAGEMENT & WATER TREATMENT Turning the tide on water conservation W
Millions of litres of water are being wasted daily, but washroom solutions like direct flushing systems and sensor- based technologies can conserve resources, cut costs and help meet DEFRA’s ambitious water-saving targets says Richard Braid, managing director of Cistermiser
ith the UK’s public water supply under growing pressure, improving water efficiency in commercial properties has become an urgent priority. DEFRA’s
water-saving targets, which include a 37% reduction in water leakage by 2038 and 50% by 2050, aim to address a projected daily shortfall of nearly five billion litres by mid-century. It’s a remarkable deficit, driven by a growing population, environmental challenges and outdated infrastructure. Commercial properties are a significant contributor to this problem, with millions of litres of water wasted daily due to inefficient plumbing systems. According to Thames Water, around 23% of water supplied to non- domestic properties is classified as “continuous flow” – a constant, often unnoticed stream caused by leaks or poorly managed systems such as uncontrolled urinals and leaking toilets. Addressing these inefficiencies is critical not only to conserve resources but also to reduce costs and environmental impact.
Plumbing upgrades
Outdated or faulty plumbing systems are a major cause of water wastage. The most common culprit in water valve leakage is flush valve seal degradation, closely followed by faulty fill valves and dual flush valves. But, with modern technology, these issues are entirely preventable. For example, unlike traditional WC flush drop valves, the Cistermiser EasyflushEVO
siphonic flushing valve doesn’t have a flush seal valve below the water line. This means debris and scale won’t build up, the seal won’t degrade – and it won’t leak. Such a design means each unit can save up to 146,000 litres of water per year – in monetary terms that’s around £448 per toilet. Leaking toilet cisterns, particularly those concealed behind panels, are another frequent issue. The main problem with cistern- based toilets is their vulnerability to scale and
impurities, which can quickly accumulate and compromise the watertight seals of the flushing system. Unlike a sink tap, where leaks can easily be spotted, toilet leaks can be easily missed – as it could just be a constant small stream of water trickling down the back of the pan. Despite being difficult to detect, a single leaking toilet can waste up to 400 litres of water daily, leading to significant financial and environmental costs. Direct flushing systems offer an effective solution to these issues by bypassing traditional
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