How to tackle the water neutrality challenge

Developers need to get to grips with the water neutrality issue now if they want to take a meaningful step in providing more sustainable schemes and future proofing for potential planning challenges.

Water neutrality requirements stipulate that: “For every new development, water demand should first be minimised then any remaining water demand offset, so that the total demand on the public water supply in a defined region is the same after development as it was before.”

As the first step is to minimise water use, developers need to look at where they can reduce per capita consumption (PCC). According to Water UK, we use on average between 145 and 153 litres per day. Already there are measures that reduce PCC including adapted showerheads, taps and low-flush toilets that reduce water use. But in the context of water neutrality requirements, there is a risk that these could not go far enough, further stalling the planning process.

There’s a water scarcity crisis in this country. Research by Kingfisher highlighted seven regions in England at risk of running dry by 2030.

Currently, water neutrality requirements impact developments in pockets in the South East of England. Mandates were laid down after Natural England identified that groundwater abstraction coupled with lower overall water availability is having a negative ecological impact.

What we have learned is that plans need to display a precise, credible and deliverable means to achieve water neutrality for a development to progress. Given the scale and urgency of the water scarcity crisis, it is likely that water neutrality may become a more widespread environmental requirement in planning applications. Even in the absence of local plans, it is still beneficial for developers to get on the front foot as it will result in schemes that are more environmentally conscious, helping improve their marketability.

Reducing water wastage

To reduce a building’s water waste, one approach is to eliminate flow variations through control flow solutions. These minimise the impact of pressure fluctuations in the supply system to offer a controlled and steady flow with deviations of less than 2%.

Tests of Cenergist Control Flow products with HL2024 technology have shown a PCC reduction of 23%. Field deployments have shown daily PCC drops ranging from 30 litres for an individual and up to 73 litre reductions for a household.

Importantly for developers, when Natural England reviews water neutrality strategies, they accept a PCC reduction of 27 litres per day where a control flow product is fitted.

Both new and existing developments can realise these water saving benefits as control flow can be retrofitted without the need to ‘rip and replace’ existing supply, allowing for a seamless water neutrality plan.

Staying ahead of the curve

In the coming years, it is more than likely developers will have a more active part to play in mitigating the water scarcity crisis.

Fortunately, the sector is currently in an advantageous position with water neutrality having learned from where the requirements already apply and analysed the results from readily available solutions that are already deployed.

It is essential for them to increase their awareness now and integrate these solutions into the environmental strategies to deliver green buildings and prepare them for any further more stringent legislations.

Caroline Gray Mason is business development director – water at Cenergist