21 July 2009
Research into how aerated showerheads can save water and money has won United Utilities an award.
The company, which supplies seven million customers across the North West with drinking water, won a Silver Award in the 'Water Solve' category at the Environment Agency's Water Efficiency Awards.
Members of United Utilities' Water Supply Demand Team worked in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University on a two-year research programme to investigate the way that new aerated showerhead technology can reduce water and energy consumption without adversely impacting the shower experience.
As part of the research almost 400 homes across the Great Sankey area of Warrington were offered a free water audit and a chance to have various water-saving devices installed.
A free showerhead mail order programme was also trialled to introduce metered customers to the new aerated showerheads.
Ben Nadel, United Utilities' Water Resources Strategy Manager, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have won this award and we are pleased that the work we have carried out in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University has highlighted so effectively just how much water and energy our customers can save.
"Our research showed that these new showerheads can prevent more than 12 tonnes of CO2 emissions on every 1,000 cubic litres of water saved and that metered customers could reduce their water bills by an average of £33 a year.
Richard Critchley, United Utilities' Water Resources Planning Manager, said: "Not only are water-saving devices better for the environment, they're also better for the pocket."
For more information on the Water Efficiency Awards please visit the website water-efficiency-awards.org.uk
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