Updated April 2022
Water is a precious natural resource. Using water wisely saves energy and money. As property managers in a house of multiple occupancies, it is our responsibility to make sure we provide our tenants with a sustainable way to conserve water.
Why Conserve Water?
On top of saving money on the utility bill, using water efficiently helps prevent water pollution and minimize the number of additional water resources being taken out of our rivers and aquifers, especially as demands are rising.
Conserving water also prevents greenhouse gas emissions associated with treating and distributing water. Operational emissions from the water industry account for nearly 1% of the UK’s total carbon emissions. A significant proportion of carbon emissions are associated with heating water in the home – between 4 and 5% of the UK’s emissions. Therefore, reducing our water use will have an impact on our carbon footprint.
How do we manage to conserve water in our sustainable properties?
In the Bathrooms:
Install Low or Dual Flush Models.
Replacing an old toilet with an ultra-low volume (ULV) 6-liter flush model represents a 70% savings in water and will cut indoor water use by about 30%. Alternatively, we consider purchasing a dual flush toilet or installing a dual flush converter that turns a standard one into a dual flush toilet because they positively impact water conservation efforts. While you can use more water when it is needed, but for most flushes, you will be using 70% less, adding up to some significant water savings.
Cistern Displacement Device (CDD)
A CDD is placed in the cistern to displace around 1 litre of water every time you flush. They are super easy to install.
Installing a CDD can achieve savings of up to 5000 litres per year. They are available for FREE from most water companies.
Installation of Water-Saving Showerheads, Shower Timers, and Low-Flow Taps.
These devices can cut the amount of water used by about 30%. Most water companies offer a wide range of free water-saving tools, so give your supplier a call or check their website.
Long showers can use eighteen to thirty liters every unneeded minute. “Low-flow” means it uses less than 9 liters per minute. It is a wise choice to use Low-flow taps because they have an increasingly common feature to save water usage and reduce the pressure on our rapidly diminishing natural water resources.
Aerated showerheads reduce the flow but don’t compromise on pressure. They maintain the pressure by mixing air with water to produce a steady, even spray.
Low flow showerheads reduce the amount of water used to around 6 litres per minute, whilst still giving you the feel of a normal shower.
In the Kitchens:
High-Efficiency Washing Machine and Dishwashers ready on each property.
A high-efficiency (HE) washing machine should pay for itself over its lifetime in water and energy savings. An energy-efficient washing machine uses 35 – 50% less water and 50% less energy per load.
Also, consider compact dishwashers for smaller properties. All dishwashers used too often when they are half empty are wasting large amounts of water. A smaller dishwasher can reduce this wastage.
Regular inspection of taps and pipes for leaks.
We perform preventative property maintenance to keep the property functioning in top condition.
Fit household taps with aerators.
A gadget that adds oxygen to the flow to reduce water wastage.
This simple and effective home water conservation method is also the cheapest! A simple low-flow aerator saves water in the bathroom, while a swiveling aerator can serve multiple purposes in the kitchen.
In the Yard and Garden:
Position Sprinklers Carefully.
Place your sprinklers where the water lands on plants and not on paved areas. Also, avoid watering on windy days, wind can blow sprinklers off target and speed water evaporation.
Water During the early parts of the day.
Early and late watering of plants also reduces water to evaporate right away.
Not having a perfect green lawn and wildflowers/plants also help in preserving water usage.
Use drought-resistant grasses such as Eco-Lawn. Some beautiful shrubs and plants need far less watering.
Use Water Butt.
Use drought-resistant grasses such as Eco-Lawn. Some beautiful shrubs and plants need far less watering.
Conclusion:
Despite not sounding like a lot, by doing these tips, we save time and energy around our HMO properties while spending less on our water bill. We can also help in preventing greenhouse gas emissions associated with treating and distributing water. Water conservation at HMO properties is one of the uncomplicated measures to put in place.
The little things add up to make a big difference and will not only help us look after our tenants' lives sustainably, but look after our wallet too. It is a win-win for everyone!
How else can we preserve water within our properties? We want to ensure that we are doing our part to cut water wastage - please leave your comments below.
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