Why DEFRA is misguided about water savings

On the one hand I was not surprised when I read the news about DEFRA’s plan for water (see May issue of PHAM News), but on the other I was surprised DEFRA even had a plan!

Before I go any further, may I point out that I worked in Water Byelaws and latterly Water Regulations for 32 years, during which time I was chairman of the WRAS fittings Performance Assessment Group for nine years. I also represented both BSI and Water UK on BSEN Standards in Europe. Consequently, I have more than a little knowledge on the subject of showers and WC performance.

As usual, DEFRA is missing the point when it talks about the possibility of banning dual flush toilets and power showers. When it comes to WCs it is not the dual flush per se that is the issue, it is the use of drop valves and flap valves, along with allowing the discharge of the warning pipe into the pan instead of discharging externally, as was previously the case. Well over 20 years ago I and many of my colleagues in the water industry told DEFRA that allowing drop and flap valves would be a mistake that would lead to increased leakage. I don’t know if any research has been undertaken since then, but I have spoken to many plumbers in my time and all agree that drop valves and flap valves are notorious for leaking. Furthermore, because there are so many different types, it is often quicker to replace the valve than it is to find the right size washer. And how green is that?

When we had the siphon, it was impossible for it to leak as there was an air gap within the siphon. One could also incorporate a dual flush with a siphon. Ergo the problem is not the dual flush, it is the drop valves and flap valves and has been for the last 20 plus years! Unfortunately, we will probably never know the true extent of the leakage as all new