How water-saving homes of tomorrow could help save billions of litres

The UK’s water supply is under significant threat, with projections indicating that demand could meet available supply levels by 2032 and exceed supply by 2036.

Importantly, an independent nationwide survey commissioned by Affinity Water revealed that 70% of the UK population believes the nation is either already at risk of drought or will face such a risk within the next ten years. The nationwide survey results also indicates that under severe climate change scenarios, UK river flows could decrease by up to 30% by 2055.

According to the National Audit Office, extreme weather, similar to that experienced in July 2022 is expected to become the norm in coming years. Experiencing the driest summer in nearly 90 years has significantly weakened our water resilience. This, combined with the frequent and severe flooding during recent Winters, has overwhelmed infrastructure and further strained water resources. Consequently, the overall water supply is struggling to keep up with the national demand.

As the UK faces an ever-increasing potential for mass water shortages, Affinity Water has launched a new guidebook offering innovative and practical solutions to help households save water and protect the environment long term.

Affinity Water Water Saving House Infographic

“We aim to share inspiring ideas through simple yet effective designs that our customers and the UK, as a whole, can readily implement to preserve water. From fixing leaks to protecting the nation’s homes, these efforts will help us conserve this vital resource,” said James Curtis, Head of Leakage at Affinity Water.

He continued, “This guidebook provides innovative and practical solutions to help households save water and protect the environment. By embracing these measures, we can collectively make a meaningful difference in safeguarding our water resources for future generations. At Affinity Water, we are dedicated to creating water-efficient and sustainable homes.”

Alongside the guidebook, Affinity Water is rolling out its first-ever Smart Meter system, where customers will be able to monitor water consumption. The real-time, detailed insights into water usage can be viewed online through My Account to help households monitor their usage and reduce wastage. The Smart meter roll-out not only saves water but empowers households with real-time insights, helping everyone play their part in the UK’s water conservation story.

Affinity Water’s guidebook addresses the urgent issue of diminishing water supplies by providing a range of accessible solutions for reducing water usage. From installing low-flow fixtures and rainwater harvesting systems to implementing greywater recycling and smart irrigation.  The guidebook offers practical advice for every household, particularly as water-smart design in the home can be simple and affordable.

Michael Pawlyn, Founder of Exploration Architects said:

When thinking about the future – whether that’s the future of water, wildlife or cities – we need to think about how we can shape that future. As citizens, as companies and, increasingly as both of those working together, we can determine what kind of future our children will inherit.”

Alex & Olivia Bowen
Alex & Olivia Bowen

It is also important to highlight that one of the biggest culprits of water loss in the home is through hidden leaks. To help consumers identify and repair hidden leaks, Affinity Water worked with the Bowen’s to promote the ‘Look and Listen’ test to help consumers identify hidden water leaks in the home, more on which can be found in the guidebook. Affinity Water are offering free visits from trained professionals to help Affinity Water customers identify leaks and repair them.

Alex and Olivia Bowen said:

We’re thrilled to partner with Affinity Water and support their mission to promote water conservation. The ‘Water-Saving House of the Future’ guidebook has been incredibly helpful as we plan our future renovation projects. It’s packed with practical tips and innovative solutions that make it easy to incorporate water-saving measures into our home design. From installing low-flow fixtures to exploring greywater recycling, the guidebook has inspired us to make sustainable choices that not only benefit the environment but also enhance the value and efficiency of our home.”

Water Saving House Guidebook is available via – https://www.affinitywater.co.uk/watersavinghouse

Alex & Olivia Bowen
Alex & Olivia Bowen

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