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3 Easy Ways to Save Water in your Home

Why is water saving so important?

You may think because the UK rains so often, that we don’t have to worry about a water shortage, right? Wrong! England will face public water shortages of 5 billion litres per day by 2055 without urgent action! That’s enough water to fill Wembley Stadium four-and-a-half times over.

You may be asking how we are facing the risks of a water shortage? Well with the combination of climate change, a growing population, and environmental pressures, we are using more water in our daily lives than we ever have before.

Here at Control Flow Technologies, we support customers with engineered solutions that help protect our water resources and save water throughout the UK and beyond. Here we have 3 easy tips that you can easily implement into your day-to-day life today, to help reserve water.

Tip 1: Buy second hand clothes

I know what you might be thinking, how does buying second hand clothes help save water? Did you know that a pair of jeans and a t-shirt use around 13,570 litres of water to make? So, through buying second hand, you are saving around 13,570 litres of water and giving a second life to an item of clothing and reducing waste.

When you throw clothes away, they often end up in landfills where they take hundreds of years to decompose and contribute to toxic air pollution – buying second hand prevents this from happening.

How does this benefit me?
  • Buying second hand is often cheaper than retail price, meaning you will often save money
  • You will often find unique/vintage pieces that aren’t available anymore in stores
  • You are supporting local economies
  • You are helping the environment

Tip 2: Collect rainwater in water butts

Collecting rainwater is such an easy way to save water and utilise all the rain the UK gets. By collecting the rainwater in water butts and using this to water your plants when they need it, you can avoid needing the water from the mains. You can also use this water for other things, such as washing your car.

Even in dry areas, a water butt can help collect up to 24,000 litres of water per year. This could contribute to lowering your water utility bills and helping conserve water.

How does this benefit me?
  • It can lower your water utility bills by reducing the amount of water you use from the mains
  • Rainwater is better for your plants as it often has a lower pH
  • You have easy access to water when watering your plants, rather than having to walk from your kitchen to your garden
  • You are helping conserve water

Tip 3: Keep drinking water in the fridge

By keeping a bottle or jug of drinking water in the fridge, this stops you from needing to use your mains, as well as having to wait for your tap water to turn cold every time before wanting to drink it.

Furthermore, if you get to the end of the day and you haven’t drunk all the water, you can save this water to water the plants.

How does this benefit me?
  • You always have a supply of cold drinking water available
  • You can save money on your utility bills by saving water through not having to let the tap run cold every time you want a drink
  • You are helping the environment and conservation of water

By incorporating these three easy tips, you can contribute to water savings that will eventually make a huge impact on our environment, and they are so easy and achievable. This shows you that small, daily impacts can make a huge difference in the long-term.

Here at Control Flow Technologies, our mission is to deliver measurable water and carbon savings that support a more sustainable future and help fight towards the water crisis in the UK. On top of these easy tips, our Control Flow water-saving devices can further help to reduce your water wastage in your home. We partner with some of the UK’s major water companies to offer free water audits, and if your home is suitable, our water-saving devices could be installed. Our devices aim to reduce the water usage in your home, with little-to-no differences in your pressure, and as well as helping the environment, customers can save up to £360 a year on their utility bills. You could be eligible for this visit, click here to check today.

www.bookingcontrolflow.co.uk

How Control Flow Technologies Group can help

How Control Flow Technologies Group can help Customers Save Water, Energy and Money on your Utility Bills

At Control Flow Technologies Group, we work hard everyday to ensure we are delivering the best standard to our customers. Our main goals are to reduce water waste, lower utility bills, and support long term water efficiency.

We partner with water companies, developers, local authorities, and households to deliver measurable reductions in water consumption, carbon emissions, and household costs. This means that you can save water, energy, and money for FREE by receiving our free water audits.

At a glance Control Flow Technologies delivers:

  • 75 litres of water saved per property per day
  • 6 tonnes of carbon saved per property per year
  • £360 average annual saving on combined water and gas bills

How our products work to save water, energy, and money

Control Flow Technologies Group can help you save water by stabilising water flow regardless of fluctuations in mains pressure. Unlike traditional flow regulators that simply restrict water flow, our devices are pressure-independent, designed to eliminate fluctuations and provide a steady, controlled flow of water.

Our technology can help save energy in two ways:

  • When using your taps and shower, there is less cold water flow. This means the volume of hot water needed for the same comfortable mixed temperature is reduced.
  • The water flow rate through the boiler is also reduced, which means less gas is needed to heat the water to the desired temperature

By lowering your water usage, this will directly impact and lower your utility bills by as much as £360 per year, without having to change your normal water usage behaviour!

How this benefits you

Our technology can benefit you by helping you to save money on your utility bills,reduce water usage, and help to save energy!

You will feel no noticeable difference in your water pressure and can go about your daily routine as normal! One of our lovely customers said “I’m happy with the device. I have not had to adapt in any way, I just carried on as normal” highlighting just how unnoticeable our devices are in the home.

Why we need to be saving water

Saving water is extremely important, especially right now. Due to climate change, our water supply is becoming more unpredictable, and by 2055, England could face water shortages of 5 billion litres per day!

We use water for more things than you might think, for example, the making of the clothes you’re wearing uses water. Data centres that allow you to go on your phone use water. The notebook that you’re writing in uses water to make. We couldn’t live without water – so we need to take action now and save as much water as we can!

The process of our FREE Water Audits and what we need from you 

If you’re eligible, you can book a free water-saving audit at your property, fully funded as part of your local efficiency water programme. Firstly, make sure you’re eligible to receive a free water audit through this link: www.bookingcontrolflow.co.uk.

What to expect: 

Visit 1: Initial property Assessment.

During this visit, a Control Flow representative will visit your property to:

  • Check how you use your water day to day
  • Measure water flow rates
  • Inspect your water meter, where suitable
  • Look for signs of minor leaks
  • Share simple, practical tips to help you save

This visit helps us understand your property and identify the most effective ways to reduce unnecessary water use 

On the day improvements (during visit 1)

During your free water audit visit, we may be able to:

  • Install simple water-saving devices
  • Fix minor leaks

This depends on your local scheme and the set up of your property. We’ll always explain what’s recommended before anything is done.

Visit 2: Control Flow Installation (if suitable)

If your property is suitable, we may recommend a Control Flow water-saving device. This is a discreet, long-term solution designed to reduce water use across the whole property. If this is required:

  • A second visit will be arranged at a convenient time
  • Installation typically takes 20-45minutes
  • In many cases, you may not need to be present for the installation

The details will be confirmed with you in advance.

Here at Control Flow Technologies Group, our mission is to deliver measurable water and carbon savings that support a more sustainable future and help fight towards the water crisis in the UK. Our Control Flow water-saving devices can further help to reduce your water wastage in your home. We partner with some of the UK’s major water companies to offer free water audits, and if your home is suitable, our water-saving devices could be installed.

Our devices aim to reduce the water usage in your home, with little-to-no differences in your pressure, and as well as helping the environment, customers can save up to £360 a year on their utility bills. You could be eligible for this visit, click here to check today. www.bookingcontrolflow.co.uk

What do the latest Nutrient Neutrality Proposals mean for Property Developers?

Nutrient neutrality has had a significant impact on progressing property developments stuck in planning and has been a target for legislative reform. The latest announcements from the government aim to progress housing developments while balancing the need to protect the environment.

Control Flow Technology Group Ltd’s director of water services, Caroline Gray-Mason, discusses how solutions which reduce water waste represents a clear way to unlock developments while laying foundations for proposed nature recovery efforts.

What is Nutrient Pollution

Nutrient pollution in natural waterways is a growing environmental issue which Natural England has identified as a significant ecological risk.

Increased levels of nutrient pollution from sources including new developments accelerates the growth of certain plants which can damage local wildlife. This is damaging protected sites leading them to be classified as being in an “unfavourable condition.” Where this has occurred, Natural England have created nutrient neutrality catchments.

Currently, there are 74 local authorities in England which are subject to nutrient neutrality requirements, resulting in approximately 160,000 new build homes being stuck in planning.

Developments are deemed ‘nutrient neutral’ when they can demonstrate that they will cause no overall increase in nutrient pollution.

Within these plans, developers need to assess the nutrient impact of a new development by supplying nutrient calculations and how they address these emissions to protect local waterways to ensure developments don’t come at a cost to the environment.

Proposed Nutrient Neutrality Reform

Given the impact of nutrient neutrality and its impact on stimulating housebuilding, it’s a key target for policy reform balancing housebuilding targets without sacrificing the environment. Initial efforts from the new Labour government included a £47m nutrient neutrality fund.

More recently, in December 2024, the government launched a nature recovery reform white paper and consultation. This laid out far reaching proposals to ensure housing and infrastructure developments can support their environmental obligations, including nutrient neutrality.

Amongst the objectives is for developments to go beyond offsetting environmental impacts and instead use developments to deliver positive outcomes for nature recovery, including a Nature Restoration Fund.

Although this plan from the government demonstrates a strong desire for reform and should be welcomed, it will be interesting to see the consultation’s results.

However, given the impact nutrient neutrality has on development progress, clarity and expediency is required now to support the delivery of much-needed schemes. Developers and planning authorities must not lose sight of current solutions and approaches which have been proven to reduce a development’s nutrient impact and unlock projects.

Embracing Reduced Environmental Impact

Environmental mitigation strategies already feature in many aspects of the planning process and it is something developers have readily embraced. It’s also an area where there has been continued innovation spanning both water and energy.

At Control Flow Technologies Group Ltd, we have direct experience of harnessing innovation to unlock developments stuck in the planning cycle owing to nutrient neutrality requirements.

Our tactics have presented a clear and consistent approach and offer a blueprint which helps streamline planning efforts while also laying a solid foundation for nature recovery efforts proposed by the government.

A Blueprint for Streamlining Nutrient Neutrality

We worked with Ashford Borough Council to provide a nutrient neutrality solution for a new 1,000-home social housing development using our patented Control Flow with HL2024® technologies.

As a flow management technology minimising naturally occurring pressure fluctuations in mains water connections, Control Flow generates significant reductions in domestic water consumption, water waste generation and subsequent nutrient emissions.

Tests show a per capital consumption (PCC) drop of 25 per cent or 30 litres for an individual of 85 litres for a household.

The verified PCC reductions meant it was possible to calculate the precise number of Control Flow installations required within the council’s existing housing stock to offset future nutrient emissions from the new 1,000 home development.

This allowed the necessary assurance for Natural England that the new development would not impact the local River Stour and Stodmarsh nature reserve nutrient neutrality catchments.

As Control Flow is available to retrofit and for newbuilds, developers can demonstrate early on their plans their proposed development will have significantly reduced nutrient emissions.

Minimising a development’s environmental impact this way also helps lay stronger groundworks for other nature recovery efforts which the government may require.

Looking ahead – upscaling reducing water waste in new developments

According to a 2023 investigation, more than 90 per cent of freshwater habitats in England are in unfavourable condition.

Against the backdrop of the 1.5m housing target and the need to ensure sustainability, it might be the case that nutrient neutrality catchments and localised requirements proliferate.

This means it is likely that more local planning authorities may mandate stricter environmental requirements on developers up and down the country to address nutrient emission concerns.

As a consequence, all developers must remain proactive with environmental mitigation, including efforts to tackle water waste to ensure all future developments do not come at a cost to the environment.

Water Neutrality: Unlocking planning permission for 900 houses for Crawley Council

Crawley Borough Council (CBC)had the planning permission for the building of over 900 new council homes held up in planning, due to water neutrality requirements.

To solve this issue

To solve this issue, we were commissioned by CBC to carry out a pilot project to prove the savings that could be achieved using Control Flow devices.

One hundred council owned properties had our devices installed over a fixed period of time. Water and gas meter reading were taken before installation, on the day of installation and post installation, to get an accurate measurement of the savings made by having the devices installed.

The data collected during this pilot scheme was then independently verified by the University of Liverpool.

The verified results are:

Success Story: Demonstrating Tangible Results

The pilot proved that significant average savings on both water and gas could be achieved using Control Flow HL2024® devices, saving householders up to £360 a year on their water and energy bills.

Following the Success of the pilot program Crawley Borough council contracted Control Flow Technologies to install devices in thousands of their tenanted properties in order to gain the necessary water savings to achieve water neutrality for building over 900 new social houses.

Natural England then confirmed the use of Control Flow technologies into UK properties to meet the water and nutrient neutrality goals of affected councils and property developers.

For every Control Flow technology installed, an average per capita consumption saving of 30 litres is credited. The product can be used in new and retrofit housing schemes without the need for continuous monitoring and can be installed in both metered and unmetered properties.

The Synergy Between Water and Energy Efficiency

Everyone is all too aware of the energy issues we are facing as an industry. The race to achieving net zero is accelerating as more businesses, public sector bodies and consumers aim to minimise carbon emissions.

According to the World Green Building Council, the built environment represents 39 per cent of global energy-related carbon emissions. To combat this, the Council issued a challenge: by 2030, all new buildings must be net-zero carbon in operation and embodied carbon reduced by at least 40 per cent, while all buildings must be net zero by 2050, echoing the UK’s own emissions target.

To reach the net-zero target, carbon emissions from heating need to drop by 95 per cent. Achieving this means that by 2050, households can only generate 140kg of carbon. Although many stakeholders in the built environment are making progress, newfound levels of holistic thinking are required given the scale of the challenge. An example of this is considering the relationship between reduced water waste and lower energy consumption.

Strategies to improve energy efficiency rarely include water efficiency measures, despite the urgent need highlighted by frequent droughts. Doing so can unlock significant carbon reductions and represent a large incremental step towards achieving sustainable building goals.

Pursuing water efficiency

Water use is a key marker of environmental impact. A benchmark for improved efficiency is reduced per capita consumption (PCC). Common solutions found in domestic and commercial settings to lower PCC often entail reducing use at the point of consumption. Examples include specially designed fixtures and fittings such as toilets, taps and shower heads. Alongside this, we are increasingly encouraged to use water-saving behaviours such as reusing and recycling water.

Beyond these measures, there are ways to increase the efficiency of the current water supply infrastructure without significant investment. The solution compromises of a relatively straightforward retrofit within existing supply infrastructure, rather than the requirement to rip out and replace.

Achieving this reduction in PCC via the water supply infrastructure is not hypothetical. It is within easy reach, much like complementary energy efficiency solutions are, such as LED and solar panel installations.

Scaling up reduced water waste

When a building has a water mains connection, there are naturally occurring pressure fluctuations, meaning significant reductions can be generated by regulating the incoming flow. This is achievable via a relatively straightforward turnkey retrofit without the need to rip and replace existing pipework.

Efficiencies are centred around patented Control Flow HL2024® technologies which eliminate flow variations caused by pressure fluctuations in the mains supply system to less than two per cent. This significantly reduces water waste.

Field tests show that providing a regulated flow, water use measured in PPC, is cut by 23 per cent in residential houses, translating to roughly 30 litres per day per person. For a household, this can be 73 litres per day. In commercial properties, PCC has been shown to drop by 30 per cent.

Unlocking the synergy between water and energy efficiency

The reasons behind the synergy are straightforward. As around 35 per cent of the water consumed in the home is heated, if you use less water overall, you need less energy to heat it. The annual savings in terms of greenhouse gas emissions when Control Flow solutions are fitted equate to approximately 0.6t of carbon per household, per year. On average, this was saving residents an average of approximately £360 on their annual utility bills. This highlights how solutions that deliver tangible reductions in PCC at the infrastructure level have a big role to play in supporting not just fuel poverty, but net-zero targets.

It is this synergy that also means Control Flow Technologies solutions are an essential component of emerging HVAC solutions including the growing frequency of ground and air source heat pump installations. As, like central heating, these centre around heating water, optimising flow means overall efficiency increases.

Sustainable Water Solutions for Student Living

Sustainable Water Solutions for Student Living: Micampus Case Study

Micampus wanted to make its university residences more sustainable by saving water and energy. To achieve this, we conducted a pilot test in one of its residences in Valencia.

The Concept

After seeing the effectiveness of our solutions in the pilot test and the savings generated, they decided to proceed with twenty five of their residences to certify various sustainability standards.

The chosen solutions included Control Flow HL2024® Showersmart at 5 litres/minute for handheld showers, along with other technologies for bathroom and kitchen sink faucets, as well as complete shower systems.

The Results

It was estimated that water consumption in showers, sinks, and kitchen faucets was reduced by 40% to 70%. Since part of the saved water is hot water, significantly less energy is needed as well, resulting in double savings.

South Shields FC Scores Big on Sustainability with Our Inline Products

We recently visited South Shields Football Club to see the results of the latest installation of our Inline devices integrated across the club’s key shower areas. The trip gave us the perfect opportunity to see the technology in action and to speak with the team about the improvements they’re already experiencing.

Traditional flow regulators can often restrict water or cause frustrating fluctuations in performance. Our Inline technology works differently. It’s engineered to deliver a consistent, controlled flow rate regardless of pressure changes, maintaining a smooth and reliable water output even during peak times. The outcome is a better experience for users and significantly improved water efficiency for the facility.

What This Means for South Shields FC

With the new Inline devices now fully installed, the club can fully benefit from a range of things such as:

  • More stable shower flow rates across all major wash areas
  • Improved water efficiency, helping reduce waste and operational costs
  • Longer, more reliable shower performance during peak usage (which is crucial when the full squad and staff need to shower post-training or after a match)
  • Consistent water savings without requiring behaviour changes from players or staff

One of the biggest advantages has been the ability for players and staff to enjoy longer, more efficient showers. Instead of pressure dropping or flow weakening as demand increases, the Inline system keeps everything stable, ensuring consistency whilst still saving water.

A Special Thank You

We want to extend a sincere thank you to Carl, South Shields FC’s Operations Director, for allowing us to help the club with this project. With this installation, South Shields FC has taken another meaningful step toward greater sustainability and reduced waste. We’re delighted to help the club continue progressing toward its long-term environmental goals.

Revolutionising Water Conservation

Revolutionising Water Conservation: Control Flow’s Impact with UK Water Companies

In the realm of water conservation, partnerships are key to driving significant change. At Control Flow Technologies Group, we’re proud to work with some of the UK’s leading water companies, installing our innovative Control Flow HL2024® devices. What’s even more remarkable? The measured water savings are an impressive 75 litres per household per day!

Transforming the Landscape of Water Conservation

Water scarcity is a pressing issue globally, and the UK is no exception. As climate change intensifies and populations grow, the need for sustainable water management becomes increasingly urgent. That’s why Control Flow Technologies Group teamed with major water companies across the UK to implement effective solutions that make a tangible difference. Our partnerships with these water companies signify a shared commitment to addressing water conservation challenges head-on. By combining our expertise in water-saving technology with their extensive reach and resources, we’re able to reach more households and communities than ever before.

Making Waves with Control Flow

So, what exactly are Control Flow HL2024® devices, and how do they contribute to water savings? Our patented technology, Control Flow HL2024®, is designed to optimise water usage in households. Through efficient flow regulations, we empower consumers to minimise water wastage without compromising their current lifestyle.

Measurable Impact: 75 Litres Saved Per Household Per Day

The results speak for themselves: an impressive 75 litres of water saved per household per day. This significant reduction in water consumption not only benefits individual households but also contributes to larger conservation efforts on a regional and national scale.

Empowering Communities for a Sustainable Future

Beyond the numbers, this partnership represents a shared vision for a more sustainable future. By empowering communities with the tools and knowledge to conserve water effectively, we’re laying the foundation for long-term environmental resilience. We invite you to join us in our mission to revolutionise water conservation. Whether you’re a homeowner, property developer, a community leader, or a fellow advocate for sustainability, there’s a role for everyone to play in safeguarding our most precious resource.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

At Control Flow, we believe that every drop counts. Through strategic partnerships, innovative technology, and collective action, we’re driving positive change in the realm of water conservation. Join us on this journey towards a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Improving Water Efficiency in Student Accommodation: RESA Student Residences Case Study

Improving Water Efficiency in Student Accommodation: RESA Student Residences Case Study

RESA student residences own eight residences in Seville, Granada, and Barcelona that have more than 1,900 showers and 3,000 sinks. The goal was to enhance their efficiency and sustainability in water usage.

The Concept

In this case, Control Flow HL2024® Showersmart at 7.8 L/min was chosen for handheld showers, along with other technologies for sinks.

The Results

It was estimated that water consumption was reduced by approximately 40% in showers and 60% in sinks. Additionally, by using less hot water, significantly less energy is needed. Therefore, a double saving was achieved.

Future Housing and Water Scarcity: The Growing Challenge

Future Housing and Water Scarcity: The Growing Challenge

The development of over 60,000 new homes in England is at risk due to increasing water shortages, particularly in the east and south-east. Local authorities in Cambridge, Ipswich, Woking, and Worthing face major challenges in meeting government housing targets, with thousands of planned homes delayed or deemed undeliverable due to water supply concerns.

The Enabling Water Smart Communities (EWSC) report, funded by Ofwat and led by Anglian Water, underscores the urgent need for effective water-saving solutions to support new housing developments. Without intervention, statutory requirements to provide water to all new homes could bring construction projects to a halt and place additional strain on existing infrastructure. The housing crisis and water scarcity are becoming increasingly intertwined, making sustainable water management a critical factor in future development plans.

How Control Flow Can Help

At Control Flow, we provide innovative pressure-independent flow control solutions designed to address these challenges. Our technology helps reduce water consumption in both new and existing homes, supports local authorities in achieving water and nutrient neutrality targets, and enables sustainable housing growth without compromising supply. By ensuring efficient water use without requiring changes in consumer behaviour, our solutions present a practical, cost-effective way to unlock stalled developments while reducing costs for developers, councils, and residents.

As housing demand continues to grow and water scarcity worsens, adopting smart water management strategies is essential. Control Flow’s approved solutions offer a proven method to unlock developments stalled in planning while securing future water resources.

Our technology allows new housing projects to proceed without adding undue pressure to already strained water supplies, ensuring a sustainable path forward.

See below for the areas most affected by water scarcity and housing delays.

Get in touch today to learn how Control Flow can support sustainable housing growth and help meet the challenges of water scarcity head-on.

Driving Water Efficiency

Driving Water Efficiency: Control Flow’s Water-Saving Initiative at Locks Heath Junior School

Amidst water shortages and growing demands, many schools across the UK face water scarcity issues. Recognising this concern, Southern Water took the opportunity to utilise Control Flow solutions to implement a targeted water-saving program at Locks Heath Junior School, aimed at reducing water consumption and utility bills.

The project was carried out over a defined timeframe, allowing for comprehensive data collection and analysis. From pre-installation consumption meter readings to subsequent post-installation data, including adjustments for school holiday closures, every aspect was carefully monitored to demonstrate the tangible water savings achieved.

Through the installation of Control Flow HL2024® devices, Locks Heath Junior School achieved daily water savings of up to 1.6 m3, equating to an annual financial saving of up to £3,810.67 off their utility bills. This significant reduction not only benefits the school directly but also contributes to broader conservation efforts on regional and national scales.

Locks Heath School expressed their satisfaction with the process, commending Control Flow Technologies for their expertise and communication throughout the project. The seamless integration of Control Flow HL2024® into the school’s infrastructure has demonstrated a proven method to reduce energy and water consumption without compromising on usage needs.

This successful partnership exemplifies a shared vision for a more sustainable future. By empowering communities with technology and knowledge to conserve water effectively, we’re laying the foundation for long-term environmental resilience.

As we celebrate this milestone achievement, we extend an invitation to all to join us in our mission to revolutionise water conservation. Whether you’re a homeowner, property developer, community leader, or sustainability advocate, there’s a role for everyone in safeguarding our most precious resource. Together, let’s make waves of change!

Achieving Nutrient Neutrality to unlock planning permission

Achieving Nutrient Neutrality to unlock planning permission: Stonewater social housing provider

We worked with Stonewater, a social housing provider, to help unlock planning permission for a social housing project stuck in planning due to nutrient neutrality requirements.

Using our patented Control Flow HL2024® devices in Stonewater’s own tenanted properties within the Somerset region, Cenergist were able to achieve a significant water, and therefore nutrient saving.

Through the installation of Control Flow HL2024® Inline devices, Stonewater achieved remarkable measured savings of up to 86.41 litres per day per household. This translates to a significant reduction in Per Capita Consumption (PCC) of 27.5%

Natural England has confirmed the use of Control Flow technologies

Natural England have confirmed the use of Control Flow technologies into UK properties to meet the water and nutrient neutrality goals of affected councils and property developers. For every Control Flow technology installed, an average per capita consumption saving of 30 litres is credited. Control Flow devices can be used in new and retrofit housing schemes without the need for continuous monitoring and can be installed in both metered and unmetered properties.

The project also received great feedback from the householders who had the device fitted with comments like:

“Fantastic job, made them feel comfortable, couldn’t be more pleased”

“I am more than happy with the service; I have referred your company to other properties and continued to hear positive things”