Why fixing
leaky loos and inefficient systems are part of the answer to water shortages
As widely reported in the national news, the UK Government has recently taken direct control of planning for two major reservoir projects in an attempt to alleviate the growing water supply challenges, due to population growth, ageing infrastructure and climate change.
With this renewed focus on drinking water supply, Cistermiser, one of the UK’s leading providers of water and energy saving management solutions, has highlighted that public and commercial buildings could save thousands of litres of drinking-quality water every day by getting a handle on leaky washroom facilities - and the time to act is now.
While most people assume that water used for toilets, urinals and showers comes from a separate supply, the reality is that it’s the same high-quality, potable water that comes out of our kitchen taps. Worryingly, across the UK, vast quantities of it are being needlessly wasted through silent leaks, continuous flushing and poorly managed infrastructure.
“A lot of people are surprised to learn that it’s drinking-quality water being used to flush toilets,” says Richard Braid, Managing Director at Cistermiser. “But what’s even more alarming is just how much of it is being wasted – and that waste is largely hidden from view.”
Toilets and urinals are among the biggest culprits. According to Waterwise, between 5–8% of toilets in the UK are leaking, typically from the flush seal – a problem known as a “leaky loo” that can waste up to 400 litres of water per day. Urinals that flush continuously can be highly inefficient. A single 7.5-litre cistern can use up to 197,000 litres of water each year – costing around £417 annually – often flushing even when buildings are empty overnight or at weekends. By installing intelligent urinal controls that activate only when presence is detected, organisations can save tens of thousands of litres of drinking water per unit every year, along with the associated carbon and cost savings.
Every litre of potable water that’s lost represents squandered energy – from the treatment works through to the pumping infrastructure. This in turn contributes to unnecessary carbon emissions and with the UK committed to net-zero targets and water companies working under tightening environmental regulations, tackling waste inside buildings is an obvious and cost-effective opportunity for progress.
Cistermiser’s product range is specifically designed to tackle the root causes of internal water waste. Infrared Urinal Controls for example, prevent unnecessary flushing by activating only when presence is detected, avoiding the constant, wasteful cycles common in older systems.
Toilet flush management solutions, such as the EasyflushEVO use a revolutionary siphonic dual-flush valve to eliminate leaks and significantly reduce water waste. Unlike traditional valves, EasyflushEVO prevents cistern overflows and removes the need for a flush seal below the waterline – a common cause of hidden leaks in many washrooms.
“Every drop of wasted water has a cost – financial, environmental and increasingly social,” adds Richard. “The good news is, these are problems we can fix. We already have the technology and expertise to dramatically reduce the amount of drinking water being lost inside our schools, hospitals, offices and public buildings.”
With an estimated three billion litres of treated water lost to leaks every day in England and Wales alone – enough to meet the daily needs of London – the urgency is clear. But fixing underground infrastructure is only part of the answer. The water that does reach buildings must be used wisely and responsibly and that means identifying and eliminating avoidable internal waste.
“As we face hotter summers and increasing demand, we can’t afford to keep flushing drinking water down the drain,” concludes Richard. “It’s time to take action – not just outside, but inside our buildings too.”
For more information on the Cistermiser range visit www.cistermiser.co.uk
