Savings On Tap
South East Water has teamed up with Hillreed Homes, Kent County Council and the Environment Agency to trial the innovative Savings on Tap project to help households use water wisely .
For the first part of the Savings on Tap trial, Hillreed homes have installed all homes on the Highland Park development in Ashford with a variety of water efficient appliances and fittings that include.
• Water saving wash basin and outside tap
• Ultra low dual flush toilet
• High performance shower with aerated shower head
• A+ rated washing machines
• Rainwater butts
They will considerably reduce the amount of water used in these homes. This will mean the amount of water we have to treat and distribute will also be reduced and therefore cut our carbon costs.
The second part of the project involves half the homes on the development using the standard South East Water tariff, and half using a new seasonal tariff. The seasonal tariff is aimed at encouraging householders to conserve water, especially during the summer months when demand for water is highest, with a higher rate during summer months, but just half the standard tariff from September to April. Those using water carefully, especially in the summer months, can expect to see significant savings in their water bills, and play their part in helping our environment.
So far we have undertaken three micro-component studies, three household surveys and continual monthly monitoring of consumption. The houses are still being built but should be completed summer 2009. The seasonal tariff has just begun on the selected properties so between May 1 08 and Sept 30 08 customers will be charged £1.70 per cubic meter.
The key findings to date are:
• Most house are occupied by 2 adults
• The dual flush toilets are flushing at a lower volume, but there has been some double flushing
• The aerated showers have a lower flow, but people spend longer in the shower
• Average per capita consumptions is lower in the control group than our base measured households and the water efficient/tariff homes have even lower pccs
We plan to continue to monitor these areas and carry out micro-component logging in the summer an autumn each year for the next 8 years.
Contact Email:
Organisation:
South East Water
Funding Details:
Funding from SEW, Kent County Council and Hillreed Homes
Status:
In progress
Website relating to case study:
Organisation’s website:
http://www.southeastwater.co.uk
Keywords relating to this case study:
Water efficiency, seasonal tariff, community engagement, water resource management, Kent, South East Water
South East groups case study relates to:
Utilities and infrastructure
