// ARTICLE Water


Scarcity Could Slow Future Building


Local authorities are planning for extensive housebuilding to meet government targets. However, it is estimated that in some areas 39% of Labour’s additional homes will be undeliverable due to water scarcity.1


T


o allow new homes to be built at the rates required, more water efficient homes are required. Standards of 30% greater efficiency allows 45% more homes to be built without increased water demand.2


Smart meters are seen as a significant part of the solution to reducing domestic water usage, Thames Water have recorded post installation savings of 12-17%3


This point of entry location makes it the perfect solution for installation in existing properties with shared supply or challenging architecture. Its location on the building also means no street


furniture or liability in the highway.


, most


major UK water companies have announced their plans for Advanced metering infrastructure, where all new connections or meters will replaced with the latest generation of smart meters.


Groundbreaker – the best location for smart meters


Groundbreaker is an insulated, surface mounted enclosure for a secure water management system and smart water meter. This locates the meter above ground, providing a better environment for smart technology over traditional underground boundary boxes, extends signal transmission and allows easy meter exchange.


The unique location of the Groundbreaker water management system future proofs the network and minimises the risk of developing future leaks. The position of the meter allows for an unjointed water supply, hence maintaining the integrity of the supply. The use of an uninterrupted supply has been recognised as best practice by Water UK and the Home Builders Federation.


In addition to new developments, Groundbreaker is ideal for redevelopment or refurbishment of properties that have architectural or water supply structures that make traditional metering options impractical.


30 Spring 2026 M39


Save water, save energy, save money


Stewart Clements, Director of the Heating & Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) explained. “It’s


important that those responsible for building new homes and for upgrading existing homes – including both social and private housing providers and landlords – recognise the different factors involved in minimising energy consumption and in making tomorrow’s homes the efficient properties needed to achieve decarbonisation and reach the net zero target for 2050.”4


‘“The energy used to heat water for devices and appliances emits an average of 875kg of CO2


equivalent to the CO2 Energy Saving Trust


Whilst water efficient appliances, i.e. dishwashers and washing machines, can reduce domestic water and energy usage, much of this hot water used in ‘time critical’ usage e.g. taking a shower or running the tap to rinse dishes.


more than 1,700 miles in an average family car.”3,4,5


Lo-Flo – additional water saving, built in


To further improve home water efficiency, major water companies are also rolling out flow regulating devices, such as Groundbreaker’s LoFlo©


. These modulate the level of flow entering premises – regardless of network pressure, meaning a reduction in the level of water used by customers when ‘variable use’ appliances (i.e., showers, taps, hosepipes). As the flow of water into the premises is limited, then the amount used by the customer is also limited – but without providing a degradation of service, and more importantly not requiring any intervention or behavioural change on the part of the customer.


The NRv2 LoFlo© can be easily and simply


fitted to any meter installation or retrofitted on meter exchange or when upgrading or remediating underground meter chambers. Thus, allowing Water Companies to manage demand with little or no impact on consumers and at minimal cost to the water undertakers.


Whether it’s new build or redevelopment, Groundbreaker has a range of products to design in water


per household per year. This is emissions from driving


efficient homes. For further product details visit www.groundbreaker.co.uk


1 static1.squarespace.com/static/65a8f1c60057e116c14c4600/t/ 679b8c157e5dc85e18ae9ff1/1738247193452/EWSC_ Public+First+Report_30Jan25.pdf


2 static1.squarespace.com/static/65a8f1c60057e116c14c4600/t/ 679b8c157e5dc85e18ae9ff1/1738247193452/EWSC_ Public+First+Report_30Jan25.pdf


3 database.waterwise.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/J37880- Waterwise_Water_Efficiency_Strategy_Inners_Landscape_WEB.pdf


4 www.housingmmonline.co.uk/news/fabric-first-still-makes-sense


5 Ref: An average passenger car (any fuel) emits 0.311 kgCO2 per mile. Source: 2012 Guidelines to Defra/ DECC’s GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting.


6 www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/sites/default/files/reports/ AtHomewithWater%287%29.pdf


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