water supply

Smart meters are seen as a significant part of the solution to reducing domestic water usage.  Thames Water have recorded post installation savings of 12-17%.1 However, existing infrastructure does not provide the best environment for this new technology.

The industry has been aware of the potential damage lead can do to the environment and health problems, particularly in infants and children for over 50 years.  Houses built before 1970 would have been constructed with lead water supply pipes and in some areas of the UK up to a third of these older properties are still receiving their water through these original lead pipes.1 UK water companies are actively engaged in replacement of these old lead supplies, and many are offering grants to residents.  

Removal and replacement of lead water supply pipes is not only good for occupiers’ health, but part of UK water companies’ environmental objectives.

The industry has been aware of the potential damage lead can do to the environment and health problems, particularly in infants and children for over 50 years.  Houses built before 1970 would have been constructed with lead water supply pipes and in some areas of the UK up to a third of these older properties are still receiving their water through these original lead pipes.1 UK water companies are actively engaged in replacement of these old lead supplies, and many are offering grants to residents. 

Frost is the greatest threat to water services throughout the winter.  UK Water Regulations require any fitting or apparatus to be correctly insulated to prevent frost, unless in a location that is heated for more than 12 hours a day [2]. It seems obvious when you are scraping the ice from the car on a frosty morning. However, the insurance claims show that many homeowners, landlords and occupiers seem to be unaware of this requirement.

In the worst-case scenario, the replacement of water supply pipes is required.  Traditionally this has required major excavations outside a property and usually a great deal of disruption and trauma within, over several days and possibly weeks – inevitably at high cost.

With an increasing population and changes in lifestyle the UK water deficit is anticipated to be 4017 mega litres per day.  To reduce this predicted shortage, water companies are developing and implementing plans to upgrade the UKs water supply with the aim of Per Capital Consumption (PCC) from its current average of 150 litres per day to 110.

Smart meters are seen as a significant part of the solution, Thames Water have recorded post installation savings of 12-17%.  Now United Utilities have announced their plans for Advanced metering infrastructure, all new connections or meters will replaced with the latest generation of smart meters. 

If our water usage patterns don’t change, the UK will have an ongoing water deficit of 4,000 Megalitres per day by 2050.  Some water companies are introducing a new strategy to manage the ever-growing demand caused by increasing population and new developments - ‘water neutrality’.

The continued growth in population and housebuilding means that reductions in leakage and domestic consumption have not been enough to offset the increasing demand.  In all regions, even in our traditionally wetter regions water companies in response to OFWAT guidance, will be introducing Environmental Incentive Schemes in the near future.

Frost is the greatest threat to water services throughout the winter.  UK Water Regulations require any fitting or apparatus to be correctly insulated to prevent frost, unless in a location that is heated for more than 12 hours a day [2]. It seems obvious when you are scraping the ice from the car on a frosty morning. However, the insurance claims show that many homeowners, landlords and occupiers seem to be unaware of this requirement.

In the worst-case scenario, the replacement of water supply pipes is required.  Traditionally this has required major excavations outside a property and usually a great deal of disruption and trauma within, over several days and possibly weeks – inevitably at high cost.