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WC Cistern Dams
Reduce the amount of water required after each
flush by placing water displacement devices in
the cistern. The Water Supply industry actively
encourages the use of these devices (of which
several are commercially available) in existing
cisterns but only if this does not result in additional
flushing to remove faecal material or the device
impedes the action of the float operated valve.
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Low
Flush Toilets Replacing a normal nine litre flush
toilet with low flush designs like dual flush
toilets (which can save up to half the water used
for flushing WCs) or were practical installing
waterless composting toilets (were practical)
can save significant amounts of water and money
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Recycling
Grey- and Rainwater Rainwater can be captured
from the roofs of buildings and can be recycled
for WC flushing and irrigation. Collection can
vary from a simple water butt to systems that
collect rainwater from roofs and hard surfaces
over a whole building development. Several systems
are commercially available offering treatment,
storage and pumping to appliances. Greywater is
waste water produced from baths, showers, sinks
and washbowls and can also be used in WC flushing
and irrigation but pre-treatment may be required
to remove particles of soap, dirt and other contaminants.
(greywater for flushing WCs is not normally economical
in small buildings)
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Supply Restrictor
valves Installed in the supply pipes to taps and
showers restriction valve keep the flow of water
constant regardless of fluctuations in water pressure.
Installation of restrictor valves can reduce the
volume of water used by taps and showers by 50%
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Heating
and Cooling Systems Water consumption is only
one of several criteria you should consider when
selecting the best product for a particular situation,
however liquids are much better heat transport
mediums than gases. To reduce cold-water run-off
heat sources and hot water storage vessels should
be situated as close as possible to hot water
outlet. Lagging pipes carrying hot water can reduce
run-off further.
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Washroom Controls
Manufacturers claim that 60-65% of standard tap
flow can be saved by installing washroom control
systems Systems limit hot and cold water supply,
lighting and ventilation in the washroom.
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Tap
Controls Self-closing, push-to-operate and low
flow taps (once properly adjusted for length of
time and flow) at basins and on showers can provide
significant water savings. A dripping tap (2 drops/second)
can result in an annual water loss of 9.5 m3 costing
between £6 and £13 a year in water
and sewerage costs (WRAS 1999) Installing spray
taps requires the entire fitting to be replaced
and so is often only practical in new or renovated
buildings. Once fitted spray taps can result in
water savings of 60% compared with conventional
taps. Note: spray taps require regular attention
to prevent the spray head becoming clogged with
soap, grease or lime scale
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Urinal Controls
Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
require that all new urinals be fitted with automatic
flushing controls. Automatic and proximity controls
allow great water savings (in comparison with
urinals with no controls which flush day and night)
as they ensure that the cistern only flushes after
use.
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Waterless
Urinals Manufacturers of waterless urinals claim
that they provide an approximate saving of 25%
in total water costs alone. Waterless urinals
do not present a health hazard and are being adopted
by organisations in both the public and private
sector. 2 Basic Types1. Fitted to existing urinals:
A detergent rod is housed in a central container
and can be easily replaced. 2. A new urinal bowl
fitted to existing plumbing: uses a specifically
designed cartridge with a sealant liquid that
creates an air-tight seal
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