The Bluebook 5

Water Saving

CI/SfB

April 2014

(74)

Uniclass L721

ideal Standard / ARMITAGE SHANKS

Water Saving

Water Saving

Introduction Water conservation is becoming a growing issue with both domestic and commercial properties. On average we individually consume around 150 litres of water per day of which 63% comes from the bathroom. In areas such as the South East a growing population coupled with changing weather patterns means there is less water per person than Istanbul. There are a number of water saving schemes and regulations and the primary ones are summarized below. Product Areas WC Flushing Most of our WC’s offer a low dual flush cistern which uses just 2.6 litres of water for low flush and 4 litres for high. Delay fill cisterns conserve even more water by ensuring the tank only re fills once the tank has been completely emptied Average domestic savings on a 4/2.6 flush WC = 49% vs a 6 litres WC. Showering Shower heads are normally fitted with 8 litre per minute water regulators, ensuring a consistent efficient shower. Average domestic savings on an 8 ltre per minute shower head is 43% vs a typical unregulated head at 14 litres per minute. Bathing A combination of cleverly designed shapes and lower overflows provide some very water efficient baths. A 139 litre capacity bath will save around 17% of water vs an average 180 litre bath. Brassware Most Brassware are fitted with 5 litre per minute flow regulators. Average domestic water saving = 45% vs a typical unregulated mixer at 10 litres per minute. Urinals Urinals account for a high % of commercial washroom water usage. A single urinal can use around 87,000 litres per year and still meet water regulations. Water Saving Schemes & Regulations Part G of the Building Regulations Covers provision of efficient fittings and fixtures • Aim to Prevent undue consumption • Applies to Residential New Build and Conversion to Dwellings only • Covers sanitaryware and white goods • Grey and rain collection and recycling systems.

Key requirement is to ensure that the overall consumption of water in a house does not exceed 125 litres per person per day.

This is worked out using a Water Efficiency Calculator into which manufacturers sanitary and kitchen fixtures and fittings water usage is added to arrive at a theoretical household water consumption per person. The calculator is the same one used for the code for sustainable homes. Builders must complete Part G to achieve planning sign off.

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