Southwest Environmental Limited

Water Saving Features

Delayed inlet valves

Delayed inlet valves prevent water entering the WC cistern until it has completely emptied, enabling a precise volume of water to be discharged independent of water pressure.

Flow restrictors

Flow restrictors contain precision-made holes or filters to restrict water flow and reduce the outlet flow and pressure. They are typically fitted within the console of the tap or shower heads, in pipework or at the mains inlet to the dwelling.

Grey-water recycling

The appropriate collection, treatment and storage of used shower, bath and tap water for use instead of potable water in WCs and/or washing machines. Grey-water recycling systems normally collect used shower, bath and tap water and recycle it for toilet flushing. 

Ion exchange water softeners

Ion exchange water softeners remove the agents causing hard water by passing water from the mains through a resin. The resin must be regenerated regularly. Regeneration may occur either at set time intervals, or when a given volume of water has passed through the resin. The water consumed during regeneration depends on the hardness of the water (this varies geographically) and the efficiency of the water softener.

Low flush WCs

Low flush WCs are specifically designed to reduce the volume of water consumed during flushing. There are various systems that can be specified to achieve a reduction in flush volume, such as low single flush cisterns, delayed action water inlet valves, and dual-flush cisterns which provide a part flush for liquids and a full flush for solids. Such systems must be matched to suitable WC pans and must pass the discharge performance requirements of BS EN 997:2003 for Class 2 WC suites.

Mains potable water

Drinking quality water taken from a connection to the mains water supply. Potable water Drinking quality water that is taken from a connection to the mains water supply in the dwelling, which may be from the public water supply or a private supply such as from groundwater via a borehole. 

Rainwater recycling

The appropriate collection and storage of rain from hard outdoor surfaces for use instead of potable water in WCs and/or washing machines. In some cases, rainwater could also be used to contribute towards for irrigation and possibly large water-consuming fittings such as hot tubs or swimming pools. In such cases, reference should be made to the relevant definition for sufficient size.