Many UK water suppliers offer free water-saving devices to their customers to help reduce water consumption and lower bills. These programmes are designed to provide practical tools that can be installed in homes to minimise water waste. The available devices, eligibility requirements, and access methods vary depending on the specific water provider and the region in which a household is located. This article outlines the information currently available from official sources regarding such schemes.
Understanding Water-Saving Device Programmes
Water companies across the UK have initiatives to encourage water efficiency. These often involve providing customers with free devices that can be fitted at home. The primary goal is to reduce the overall volume of water used, which can lead to lower utility bills for consumers and decreased pressure on local water resources and infrastructure.
According to the available information, several water companies partner with organisations like "Save Water Save Money" and "Get Water Fit" to distribute these items. The programmes are typically available to customers of the participating water suppliers. There is no indication that these offers are limited to specific demographics beyond being a customer of the relevant utility.
Available Water-Saving Devices
The types of free devices offered can differ between water companies. Based on the source material, the following items have been mentioned as being available through various schemes:
- Shower Regulators and Timers: These devices are designed to control the flow or duration of water used during showers, helping to reduce consumption without significantly altering the showering experience.
- LeakyLoo Detectors: These are strips or tools that help identify silent leaks in toilet cisterns, which can waste a significant amount of water over time.
- Bufaloo Strips or Cistern Bags: These are placed in the toilet cistern to displace water, thereby reducing the amount used with each flush.
- Sink Strainers and Hair Catchers: These are simple tools to prevent drain blockages, which can avoid the need for water-intensive unblocking procedures.
- Gunkpots: These are used to collect waste fats from cooking, preventing them from entering the drainage system where they can cause blockages.
- Plant Water Saving Gel: This is a product designed to help retain moisture in soil for plants, reducing the frequency of watering required.
It is important to note that the specific range of devices available to a customer will depend on the programme run by their particular water supplier.
How to Access Free Water-Saving Devices
The process for obtaining free water-saving devices generally involves accessing the water supplier’s website. Customers may need to use their login details or provide some household information to verify their eligibility. The process often begins with using a water usage calculator, which can help recommend the most suitable products for a household's specific needs.
For example, customers of Wessex Water can sign up for the "GetWaterFit" tool to claim water waste devices on behalf of the "Save Water Save Money" scheme. Similarly, customers of South West Water and Severn Trent can use the "Get Water Fit" platform. For customers of Bristol Water, the "Save Water Save Money" scheme is available to claim items such as LeakyLoo detection strips, shower regulators, timers, plant water-saving gel, or Bufaloo cistern bags.
Once devices are selected and ordered, they are typically dispatched by a third party. For instance, when ordering from the Wessex Water scheme, the products are dispatched by "Solo." The water company accepts no liability for any damage to fixtures or property resulting from the installation or use of self-fitted products, though this does not affect statutory rights.
Additional Support and Related Programmes
Beyond the distribution of devices, some water companies offer additional support. For example, South West Water provides a service to detect leaks in customers' homes and fix them free of charge.
Furthermore, customers may also benefit from having a water meter installed. The source material suggests that if a household has as many or more bedrooms than people living there, there is a good chance of saving money with a water meter. Water meter calculators are available to help customers determine if this might be beneficial for them.
Conclusion
Free water-saving device programmes are a valuable resource for UK consumers looking to reduce their water consumption and potentially lower their bills. The availability of specific devices, such as shower regulators, LeakyLoo detectors, and Bufaloo strips, depends on the customer's water supplier and the schemes they participate in, such as "Save Water Save Money" or "Get Water Fit." Access is generally straightforward via the supplier's website, often requiring only basic household information. Customers are encouraged to check their specific water provider’s website for details on available devices, eligibility, and the ordering process. These initiatives represent a practical step towards more sustainable water use in the home.