Water Efficiency Solutions

Solar Hot Water

Solar heating systems are generally composed of solar thermal collectors, a fluid system to move the heat from the collector to its point of usage. The system may use electricity for pumping the fluid, and have a reservoir or tank for heat storage and subsequent use. The systems may be used to heat water for a wide variety of uses, including home, business and industrial uses. Heating swimming pools, under floor heating or energy input for space heating or cooling are more specific examples. In many climates, a solar heating system can provide up to 85% of domestic hot water energy.

Rainwater Harvesting

Traditionally, rainwater harvesting has been practiced in arid and semi-arid areas, and has provided drinking water, domestic water, water for livestock, water for small irrigation and a way to increase ground water levels.

There are many types of systems to harvest rainwater. Notable systems are systems for runoff rainwater (eg hillside run-off) and rooftop rainwater harvesting systems. The type used depends greatly on the purpose (domestic or industrial use) and to some extent also on economics and physical and human considerations. Generally speaking, rooftop rainwater systems are most used as they are most economical.

Graywater Systems

Graywater refers to the reuse of water drained from baths, showers, washing machines, and sinks (building wastewater excluding toilet wastes). The most obvious advantage of graywater use is that it may potentially replace other water used for landscape irrigation. Filtered graywater is most suitably used for subsurface irrigation of non-edible landscape plants. Not only does its use on landscapes conserve treated tap water, but graywater may also benefit plants because it often contains nutrients such as nitrogen or phosphorus.

Water-saving Technology

• Low-flush toilets, composting toilets and waterless urinals, have a dramatic impact in the developed world, as conventional Western toilets use large volumes of water.
• Faucet aerators, which break water flow into fine droplets to maintain "wetting effectiveness" while using less water.
• Infrared or foot operated faucets can save water by using short bursts of water for rinsing in the kitchen or bathroom