The whole process cycle of extracting water from the environment, treating it, distributing it to its point of use, collecting it when it has become wastewater, and then treating it again before discharging it back into the environment is somewhat of an energy intensive processes that contributes to climate change due to the associated CO2 emissions that are released into the atmosphere.
A recent study [1] carried out by the Environment Agency (EA) has demonstrated that the major greenhouse gas emissions associated with the supply-use-treatment cycle of water use in the domestic sector are during the ‘use’ phase of water with 89% of emissions attributable to water use in the home. With this in mind, it is important that we ensure to take a more efficient approach to the water using activities within the home and also the wider built environment in order to, ultimately, combat the uncertainties of climate change by reducing the amounts of CO2 emissions released into the atmosphere. An easy way to get you or your family considering their water consumption is to buy a shower timer.
One example of a water using activity within the home and also the wider environment is the flushing of toilets and urinals. It is suggested that toilets and urinals account for approximately 30-40% of domestic water use and up to 90% for offices and public conveniences. This article will take a closer look at water saving technology relating to the specific water using activity of flushing toilets and urinals.
Technology
Variflush
Variflush technology works by interrupting the operation of a typical toilet cistern siphon simply by introducing air to it. A small drill hole is made in the top of the siphon and a pipe is connected to it, so that air can be fed from the variable flush device into the top of the siphon to interrupt its operation. The Variflush system allows the user to set the quantity of water used in each flush and to use the system couldn’t be easier, the user simply sets the system to their desired setting (Minimum, Medium, Maximum – quantity of water used each flush) and flushes the toilet. By fitting Variflush technology to your toilet cistern you will be able to significantly reduce the amounts of excess water that is wasted in over-flushing.
Hippo Water Saving Cistern Bags
The typical modern toilet cistern uses in the region of around 7 to 8 litres of water every flush which is far more than what is actually required to flush a toilet effectively. The Hippo water saving cistern bag technology works by placing a robust polythene bag (Hippo bag) inside of a toilets cistern. Each time the toilet is flushed, around 3 litres of clean water is saved within the Hippo bag preventing it from being flushed into and down the toilet. A small hole is present at the base of the bag in order to prevent the water becoming stagnant.
Water Efficient Toilet Cisterns
Water efficient toilet cisterns are more fundamental in their approach to saving water when flushing a toilet compared to the previously mentioned water saving technologies. Water efficient toilet cisterns save water by simply being available in smaller water volume sizes, which in effect, minimises the amount of water a toilet has available to use in order to flush. If you are interested in more ways to save water within your home then why not have a look at Energy Saving Warehouse’s range of water saving products?
References
[1] Environment Agency (2008a). Greenhouse gas emissions of water supply and demand management options. Science Report
