Garden Building Resources

The term water saving device encompasses so much technology, in both homes and business, that this article can only skim the surface of the subject. All devices can be broken into one of three categories; water conservation (using less water), water efficiency (using the water given more effectively) and water recycling (see our sections on Grey Water Recycling and Rainwater Harvesting).

The collection of water has had a rough time over the course of history, starting with simple irrigation in Ancient Egypt around 6000 BC. Then - widely regarded as the most advanced nations of the time - we have the Romans who were well known for their aqueducts, causing a peak in water supply technology that would last thousands of years. Next, during the Middle Ages in the UK getting daily water was a chore for most; generally from streams, wells, ditches, rain barrels, cisterns or even man-made canals. Finally, for most, modern day plumbing and sewage has removed this need to worry about our water source, starting around the 19th Century.

Water is fast becoming the most important resource. In some parts of the world water supplies aren't as inexhaustible as people wish; indeed we in the UK occasionally have hosepipe bans in the south. Additionally, the more water used the more energy has to be used to pump it to your house by the water companies; this uses 0.905 KWH (kilowatt hour) of electricity and produces 0.404 kg (kilogram) of Carbon Dioxide. Finally, human storage and usage of water removes it from the environment; plants and animals the world over need naturally collected water to survive. Water saving devices helps to alleviate these problems.

• Water use has increased by 70% since 1970
• Each person uses about 150 litres of water every day
• Go to www.energysavingtrust.org.uk for more on saving water

http://www.interflush.co.uk/

Varyflush Ltd makes the Interflush™: A kit which fits on top of your WC siphon and connects to the front mounted flush handle.

Only flushes when the handle is held down, releasing the handle stops the flush (when pan is clear). Only uses exactly what water is needed. Any less and the toilet would need flushing again. That is why nothing can flush a toilet with less water.

Additional Information:

• Around 60 litres per day are used per person in the UK on toilet flushing
• Interflush™ saves around 30 litres per person per day
• A saving of around £1000 over 10 years