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4.2 Water-saving Fixtures

Technical Description

Water-saving measures taken by households and public institutions also contribute to the conservation of freshwater resources. Replacement or modification of existing household taps and water closets can achieve a significant reduction in water consumption without loss of utility. While all taps can be fitted with aerators and low flow spouts, it is the bathroom bathing and sanitary fixtures that generally consume the largest volume of household water. Hence, application of water-savings fixtures in the bathroom can cause significant water-savings.

For example, the rational consumption of water, and reduction in volume of sewage, from toilets can be achieved by installation of a special device to reduce the flushing-water volume or by using toilets having a dual flush mode. Reduction of flushing volume can be accomplished by householder actions ranging from the placement of a brick into a conventional flushing box, to the purchase of a low volume per flush unit, to the use of toilets with a dual system of flushing, which enables the selection of two or more volumes of water according to nature of the excreta to be flushed. Use of this latter type of toilet typically reduces the volume of household sewage by up to 15%. Installation of new equipment in apartment buildings can save approximately 30% of water in used in the component households.

Water-savings can also be achieved by installation of water-saving shower facilities. Technical modifications including decreasing the effluent rate of the water flow through the shower head by reducing the diameter of outlet pipe, providing for the automatic opening and closing of the water flow, stabilizing the water temperature independently from changes in water pressure, and electronically operating the shower facilities to ensure that the water flow will be automatically interrupted if the shower facility is not used.

Elsewhere in the household, water savings may be achieved through the use of similar types of technologies. Some popular fixtures commercially available in the Baltic States include both kitchen and bathroom appliances and fixtures. Typical water consumption rates of these fixtures are given in Table 5.

TABLE 5. Water Consumption Rates of Commercially-available Household Fixtures.

Extent of Use

This technology is beginning to be used in Poland and elsewhere in the region.

Operation and Maintenance

Installation of these fittings may be done by a plumber or, in some cases, by the individual householder. Once installed, maintenance is minimal and does not differ from the daily household cleaning routine normally employed within the home or public building.

Costs

Costs vary depending on the particular fixture, and can range from being equivalent to traditional or conventional fixtures to 2 times higher. Devices to reduce the toilet flushing-water volume in conventional flushing-boxes are very inexpensive.

Effectiveness of the Technology

Depending on the type of fixture, reductions in the volume of household sewage (and, therefore, in water consumed) can range from 5% to 30% in comparison to conventional systems.

Suitability

This technology is suitable for application everywhere.

Advantages

This technology eases the load on both water treatment and distribution systems, and sewage treatment plants, reducing energy consumption for water and wastewater treatment, and often resulting in savings for the individual householders or building operators.

Disadvantages

No disadvantages have been identified.

Cultural Acceptability

This method in acceptable, especially in regions with an existing market for water. Some public information programming may be required to convince householders that the low flow devices can perform as well as the traditional types of fixtures.

Further Development of the Technology

There is a need for corporate support, advertising, promotion, and social education.

Information Sources

Osmulska-Mróz, B. 1995. The Local Systems of Neutralization of Sewage. Institute of Environmental Protection, Warsaw.

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