Water consumption

2013-03-11T16:51:34Z

Atehrani: Created page with " '''The ways in which water consumption can be reduced through the considerate design of buildings and whether current regulations are appropriate.''' '''Aryan Tehran..."

'''The ways in which water consumption can be reduced through the considerate design of buildings and whether current regulations are appropriate.'''

'''Aryan Tehrani'''

INTRODUCTION

Water. Our most precious natural resource, it covers over 71% of the Earth’s surface and is the most critical ingredient to all forms of life. However, due to the effects of climate change and the Earths ever growing population there is an increasing strain being placed on the amount of water available to us. Water is being over-used at an incredibly alarming rate, a rate that if allowed to increase will cause water supplies to fall dangerously low. To secure and protect global supplies of water it is imperative that we change the way we use water. In this report I will be considering how water consumption can be reduced through the considerate design of buildings and whether the current legislations and regulations are adequate.

THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT TO WATER CONSERVATION

The ever-increasing need for water conservation initiatives is not only an issue confined to the United Kingdom but one that affects all parts of the globe. As of today, the global population is estimated at 7,060,253,019 (USCB, 2012) and is expected to rise to over 9 billion by the year 2050 (GeoHive, 2012). This extreme rise in population is one of the main drivers of pressure on water. The areas that will experience the highest rates of population growth are in developing countries, where water is in short supply due to factors such as drought and improper methods of water conservation.

This notion that it is important to conserve water, however, is not a recent one. Whether it is the intricate reservoir and sewage systems of the Indus civilization (K. Shadananan Nair, 2003) or the more modern aqueduct systems found in imperial Rome (Frontinus, trans. Bennett, 1961). The need to use water efficiently has been innate in human populations since the birth of modern civilizations. As architects, I believe that it is our duty to build on these ancient and modern initiatives to find new more efficient ways to conserve and use water efficiently.

RAINWATER HARVESTING, STORAGE AND USE, PLUS GREYWATER RECYCLING.

In areas where there is insufficient surface water or where groundwater is particularly inaccessible but there is an abundance of rainwater. Harvesting this rainwater is the best option. This is called ‘rainwater harvesting’ (Water Aid, 2010). Despite the fact that the United Kingdom receives a high level of rainfall, water resources are under tremendous pressure, especially due to the amount of water being extracted from lakes, rivers and natural springs. In most areas rainfall provides the cleanest, purest, most potable water available. Rainwater harvesting works by collecting rainwater from a continuous guttering system. This water is discharged down into a rainwater storage tank through a chemical filter to prevent the introduction of potential contaminants. This water can now freely be used without treatment for domestic use without high maintenance. However the notion of using rainwater to increase to the amount of drinkable water available has been present for many years.

The code for sustainable homes (2006) encourages the installation of rainwater harvesting systems in newly built homes to collect rainwater for use in the garden, washing clothes and dishes and other domestic uses e.g. flushing toilets. It has been reported that this cut the amount of mains water being used by up to 50%. The environment agency reports (2010), “Reducing the volume of mains water supplied means that less water is taken from lakes, rivers and aquifers and more is left to benefit ecosystems and help sustain the water environment”.

A high profile example of a rainwater harvesting system is the Olympic Velodrome stadium in central London designed by Hopkins Architects; this was predicted to provide a 73% reduction in potable water (LOCOG, 2011). The lessons learnt from this system was that rainwater harvesting was not a suitable water conservation method due to the scale of the project, this was not because of the amount of water collected, for this exceeded use by far but they were unable to store this amount of water for re-distribution to toilet services around the Velodrome. This case study shows that rainwater harvesting is an efficient and practical water conservation system however due to storage limitations, only when implemented in small-scale projects.

Greywater is wastewater from showers, baths, washbasins, washing machines and kitchen sinks. You can collect it from some or all of these sources and, after treatment, use around the home for purposes that do not require drinking water quality such as toilet flushing or garden watering. (Environmental Agency, 2011). This greatly reduces the strain on mains water as well as reducing the volume of water that would end up in sewage systems. As well as conserving water this will also save users money on their water usage and wastewater bills. According to the Environmental Agency (2011), Greywater recycling systems have the potential to reduce the amount of mains water used in the home by about a third, it is because of this that greywater recycling systems will become more popular in the UK due to the increasing cost of water and also an increasing awareness of the importance of conserving water.

The limitations of initiatives such as rainwater harvesting and greywater harvesting are that even though it reduces demand for mains water, it does not contribute to a reduction in water consumption. Also minimal payback times combined with small storage volume make it an inferior and less efficient water conservation system than others.

WATER EFFICIENT APPLIANCES

Due to the effects of climate change on water yield as described by Aber et.al (1995) the United Kingdom will experience more extreme and unpredictable weather patterns resulting in more rainfall in winter and less in summer. This could mean less water when we need it most, unless we use it wisely and make the best use of resources available (Environmental Agency, 2007). There are domestic changes that can be made that can not only conserve water and look after the natural environment but also to save money at the same time.

TOILETS AND URINALS

It is very important that toilets flush effectively to adhere to current standards of hygiene, however most toilets (especially units fitted before 2000) have flush volumes that far exceed the value that is needed to perform its function. With the invention of more efficient flushing systems (such as Siphon and Valve), reducing water output has become a lot easier. There are cistern displacement devices that can reduce the volume of water in the cistern so that less water is flushed. There are also dual flush systems that regulate the volume of water flushed. In extreme circumstances vacuum or compressed air drainage can be used (e.g. planes and trains) but this technology is neither cost effective nor practical for domestic use.

SHOWERS AND BATHS

In most cases, showers and baths are accountable for over 45% of domestic water used. With these appliances certain physical changes can be made but lifestyle changes make the biggest contributions. It is well known that showers use less water than baths but if the frequency of showers is taken into account then this figure equalises over time. Power showers also consume a larger amount of water than conventional showers or baths.

A common way to reduce water use in baths and showers is to use ‘water-saver’ showerheads. These incorporate air into the water flow, this increases the surface area in the water flow to give the illusion of a higher flow rate whilst simultaneously reducing the water output. Smaller but significant benefits include extra noise from aerating systems, which add to the illusion of power. The air bubbles also cushion the water when it hits the floor of the shower or sink, reducing the volume of water lost through splash back. In a recent report by John Moores university, (2007) the “fitting of an aerated shower head was effective in reducing the average flow rate by 23% whilst in most cases improving user satisfaction”.

DOMESTIC APPLIANCES

As reported by the environmental agency, dishwashers and washing machines account for over 16% of domestic water consumption. As with most water dependent appliances, dishwashers and washing machines have become increasingly more efficient with modern advances in technology. As of 2012 the most efficient dishwashers consume up to 12-13 litres compared to the older models, which use to consume up to 100 litres. (Environmental Agency, 2007).

TAPS

Approximately 20% of our domestic water output is through taps or basins; however there is not much that technology can do to reduce this amount. There are of course timed sensor taps and automatic taps to reduce consumption and improve hygiene however the largest responsibility is with us to be responsible with our usage and through discipline and education we should be able to reduce the volume of clean water that is flowing to sewage systems through our taps and basins.

PART G OF BUILDING REGULATIONS

Building regulations in the United Kingdom encompass the policies and legislations necessary for the majority of building work in the UK, the purpose of these is to create homes and dwellings that are not only safe for the inhabitants but for the environment. Part G of the current building regulations stipulates the policies and current legislations regarding washing facilities, bathrooms and hot water services. As the need to conserve water has only risen to worldwide importance in the last few years, part G of the building regulations has become a more extensive document. The 2010 issue has 43 pages compared to 14 in 2006.

Part G focuses on five main aspects of water conservation: Cold water supply, Water efficiency, Hot water systems, Sanitary Conveniences and washing facilities, bathrooms and food preparation areas. There are also a few amendments that were made to the 2009 edition. These include composting toilet arrangements, Rainwater and Greywater, and water efficiency. This is the first time that building regulations have addressed water efficiency in since their first implementation in 1984 (Greenspec, 2010). I believe that this is an indicator that the issue of water conservation is one that we cannot afford to ignore any longer.

According to the amendment 17k of part G, The maximum consumption of potable water consumption in new dwellings is 125 litres per person per day. As reported by recent studies (Environment Agency, 2012) the water consumption of the average person in the UK is 150 litres per day. This regulation dictates a decrease in the daily water consumption by at least 25 litres. For homeowners to adhere to this regulation there is a very simple and easy to use calculator available online (planning portal). Part G also addresses the possibilities of using greywater and rainwater harvesting systems to be used to provide water to any sanitary device; this will greatly reduce the amount of mains water on which we depend so greatly.

CARBON EMMISSIONS

The water that we use in the United Kingdom is pumped, purified, treated and heated before it reaches our homes. This process greatly increases the amount of energy that we use; domestic hot water usage is responsible for 35 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions (DEFRA), however, this is not just a domestic issue. The water industry as a whole plays a large role in global energy consumption and it is vital that on a global scale, we reduce our hot water usage not only to conserve water supplies, but also to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Homeowners need to be aware that when they are wasting water, they are also wasting the energy that is used in preparing it for use in the home. Fig 6 shows the annual CO2 emissions (kg) due to the heating and treatment of water used per appliance. (Environment Agency, 2009). The percentage of carbon emissions from water usage in the home is show in Fig 7 (Environment Agency, 2009).

CONCLUSION

To conclude, I believe that through the considerate design of new dwellings and the adherence to current building regulations and legislations it is very possible to reduce our daily water consumption. However, there are a few systems such as rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling that are in theory easy to install systems that reduce pressure on mains water but in reality are not convenient due to the size of storage tanks. Even if the systems are installed, payback for the system is not guaranteed for several years. I also believe that adherence to current regulations and legislations are currently the best and easiest way to reduce water consumption on a domestic level.

REFERENCES

Aber et.al, 1995,. Predicting the effects of climate change on water yield and forest production in the northeastern United States. ''Climate Research, ''5 [207-222] pp. 208-222.

Communities and local government, 2006. ''Code for Sustainable home. ''[pdf] Available at: [http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/code_for_sust_homes.pdf http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/code_for_sust_homes.pdf] [Accessed: 18 Dec 2012].

Environment Agency, 2007. ''Conserving water in buildings. ''[chart] Bristol: Environment Agency. Available at: http://www.elementalsolutions.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Conserving-Water-in-Buildings.pdf [Accessed: 18 Dec 2012], p.2.

Environment Agency, 2007''. Conserving water in buildings. ''[pdf] Bristol: Environment Agency. Available at: http://www.elementalsolutions.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Conserving-Water-in-Buildings.pdf [Accessed: 18 Dec 2012], p.2.

Environment Agency, 2009. ''Quantifying the energy and carbon effects of water saving, summary report.'' [chart], Available at: [http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Publications2/Housing-professionals/Heating-systems/Quantifying-the-energy-and-carbon-effects-of-water-saving-summary-report http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Publications2/Housing-professionals/Heating-systems/Quantifying-the-energy-and-carbon-effects-of-water-saving-summary-report] [Accessed: 18 Dec 2012]. p.9.

Environment Agency, 2009. ''Quantifying the energy and carbon effects of water saving, summary report.'' [chart], Available at: [http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Publications2/Housing-professionals/Heating-systems/Quantifying-the-energy-and-carbon-effects-of-water-saving-summary-report http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Publications2/Housing-professionals/Heating-systems/Quantifying-the-energy-and-carbon-effects-of-water-saving-summary-report] [Accessed: 18 Dec 2012]. p.10.

Environment Agency, 2010. ''Harvesting rainwater for domestic uses: an information guide. ''[pdf] Available at: http://www.tuffa.co.uk/media/wysiwyg/pdf-info-and-reg/Rainwater_Harvesting_Info.pdf [Accessed: 18 Dec 2012]. p.30.

Environment Agency, 2011,. ''Greywater for domestic users: an information guide.'' [pdf] Bristol: Environment Agency. Available at: [http://cdn.environment-agency.gov.uk/geho0511btwc-e-e.pdf http://cdn.environment-agency.gov.uk/geho0511btwc-e-e.pdf]. [Accessed: 18 Dec 2012], p.4.

Environment Agency, 2012,. ''Save water, ''[online] Available at: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/beinggreen/117266.aspx. [Accessed: 18 Dec 2012].

Frontinus, S.J [trans. Charles Bennett], 1961. ''Stratagems and the Aqueducts of Rome. ''Cambridge: Harvard University Press. p.357.

Geohive (2012) ''GeoHive - Population Statistics''. [online] Available at: http://www.geohive.com/ [Accessed: 14 Dec 2012].

Greenspec, 2010,. ''Water part G of the Building Regulations 2010, ''[online] Available at: [http://www.greenspec.co.uk/water-part-g.php http://www.greenspec.co.uk/water-part-g.php]. [Accessed: 18 Dec 2012].

Hall, N,. 1982. ''Water collection from thatch waterlines, ''[diagram] London: Intermediate Technology Publications. p.18.

Liverpool John Moores University/ United Utilities, 2007. ''Water and Energy Efficient Showers: Project Report. ''[pdf] Available at: [http://stakeholder.unitedutilities.com/downloadfile.aspx?ID=15 http://stakeholder.unitedutilities.com/downloadfile.aspx?ID=15]

LOCOG, 2011''. Independent - Rainwater harvesting at the Velodrome. ''[pdf] Available at: [http://learninglegacy.independent.gov.uk/documents/pdfs/sustainability/154-rainwater-harvesting-sust.pdf http://learninglegacy.independent.gov.uk/documents/pdfs/sustainability/154-rainwater-harvesting-sust.pdf] [Accessed: 18 Dec 2012].

Nair, K.S,. 2004. “Role of water in the development of civilization of India: A review of ancient literature, traditional practices and beliefs”, pp. 160-166 of ''The Basis of Civilization: Water Science?'', ed. Rodda, J.C and Ubertini Lucio. Oxford: IAHS Press.

The Pump People (2012) ''Rainwater Harvesting System. ''[online] Available at: [http://thepumppeople.co.uk/rainwater-harvesting/packages/rainwater-harvesting-system http://thepumppeople.co.uk/rainwater-harvesting/packages/rainwater-harvesting-system] [Accessed: 17 Dec 2012].

Sinopoli, C.M., 2004. A Review of The Indus Civilization: A contemporary Perspective by Gregory L. Possehl. ''Journal of Anthropological Research'', 60[1], pp.126-128.

United States Census Bureau (2012) ''World Population Clock - U.S. Census Bureau''. [online] Available at: http://www.census.gov/population/popclockworld.html [Accessed: 22 Dec 2012].

United States Postal Service, 2013 ''Social Causes ''[cover page image] Available at: [http://beyondtheperf.com/content/social-causes#4 http://beyondtheperf.com/content/social-causes#4] [Accessed: 22 Dec 2012].

WaterAid, 2010. ''Rainwater Harvesting''. [pdf] Available at: [http://www.wateraid.org/documents/plugin_documents/rainwater_harvesting.pdf http://www.wateraid.org/documents/plugin_documents/rainwater_harvesting.pdf] [Accessed: 17 Dec 2012].

World Water Assessment Programme, 2009. ''The United Nations world Water Development Report 3: Water is a changing world, ''[map] Paris: UNESCO. p.30.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Aber et.al, 1995,. Predicting the effects of climate change on water yield and forest production in the northeastern United States. ''Climate Research, ''5.

Communities and local government, 2006. ''Code for Sustainable home. ''[pdf] Available at: [http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/code_for_sust_homes.pdf http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/code_for_sust_homes.pdf]

Environment Agency, 2007. ''Conserving water in buildings. ''[pdf] Bristol: Environment Agency. Available at: http://www.elementalsolutions.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Conserving-Water-in-Buildings.pdf

Environment Agency, 2009. ''Quantifying the energy and carbon effects of water saving, summary report.'' [pdf], Available at: [http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Publications2/Housing-professionals/Heating-systems/Quantifying-the-energy-and-carbon-effects-of-water-saving-summary-report http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Publications2/Housing-professionals/Heating-systems/Quantifying-the-energy-and-carbon-effects-of-water-saving-summary-report]

Environment Agency, 2010. ''Harvesting rainwater for domestic uses: an information guide. ''[pdf] Available at: http://www.tuffa.co.uk/media/wysiwyg/pdf-info-and-reg/Rainwater_Harvesting_Info.pdf

Environment Agency, 2011,. ''Greywater for domestic users: an information guide.'' [pdf] Bristol: Environment Agency. Available at: [http://cdn.environment-agency.gov.uk/geho0511btwc-e-e.pdf http://cdn.environment-agency.gov.uk/geho0511btwc-e-e.pdf]

Environment Agency, 2012,. ''Save water, ''[online] Available at: [http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/beinggreen/117266.aspx http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/beinggreen/117266.aspx]

Fagan, B.M, 2011. ''Elixir: a history of water and humankind''. New York, Bloomsbury Press.

Frontinus, S.J [trans. Charles Bennett], 1961. ''Stratagems and the Aqueducts of Rome. ''Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

Geohive (2012) ''GeoHive - Population Statistics''. [online] Available at: [http://www.geohive.com/ http://www.geohive.com/]

Greenspec, 2010,. ''Water part G of the Building Regulations 2010, ''[online] Available at: [http://www.greenspec.co.uk/water-part-g.php http://www.greenspec.co.uk/water-part-g.php]

Hall, N,. 1982. ''Water collection from thatch waterlines, ''London: Intermediate Technology Publications

Liverpool John Moores University/ United Utilities, 2007. ''Water and Energy Efficient Showers: Project Report. ''[pdf] Available at: [http://stakeholder.unitedutilities.com/downloadfile.aspx?ID=15 http://stakeholder.unitedutilities.com/downloadfile.aspx?ID=15]

LOCOG, 2011''. Independent - Rainwater harvesting at the Velodrome. ''[pdf] Available at: [http://learninglegacy.independent.gov.uk/documents/pdfs/sustainability/154-rainwater-harvesting-sust.pdf http://learninglegacy.independent.gov.uk/documents/pdfs/sustainability/154-rainwater-harvesting-sust.pdf]

Nair, K.S,. 2004. “Role of water in the development of civilization of India: A review of ancient literature, traditional practices and beliefs, ''The Basis of Civilization: Water Science?'', ed. Rodda, J.C and Ubertini Lucio. Oxford: IAHS Press.

The Pump People (2012) ''Rainwater Harvesting System. ''[online] Available at: [http://thepumppeople.co.uk/rainwater-harvesting/packages/rainwater-harvesting-system http://thepumppeople.co.uk/rainwater-harvesting/packages/rainwater-harvesting-system]

Sinopoli, C.M., 2004. A Review of The Indus Civilization: A contemporary Perspective by Gregory L. Possehl. ''Journal of Anthropological Research'', 60[1].

United States Census Bureau (2012) ''World Population Clock - U.S. Census Bureau''. [online] Available at: [http://www.census.gov/population/popclockworld.html http://www.census.gov/population/popclockworld.html]

United States Postal Service, 2013 ''Social Causes ''[cover page image] Available at: [http://beyondtheperf.com/content/social-causes#4 http://beyondtheperf.com/content/social-causes#4] [Accessed: 22 Dec 2012].

WaterAid, 2010. ''Rainwater Harvesting''. [pdf] Available at: [http://www.wateraid.org/documents/plugin_documents/rainwater_harvesting.pdf http://www.wateraid.org/documents/plugin_documents/rainwater_harvesting.pdf]

World Water Assessment Programme, 2009. ''The United Nations world Water Development Report 3: Water is a changing world,'' Paris: UNESCO.

[[Category:CIOB_competition]]

Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

Water consumption