February 16th 2021

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW MUCH WATER AND ENERGY YOU USE IN THE HOME WITH THE UNIFIED WATER LABEL

Everyone recognises the need to be more informed about how much water and energy they use in their home.  However, energy seems to take centre stage, with water efficiency not seen as being so important and while energy is important we cannot live without water.

Here at the Unified Water Label we believe that consumers would take actions to use water wisely if they had information about how much water products use.

Well the good news is that there is a smart tool, the Unified Water Label, which is readily available on many bathroom products, and it can help homeowners make more informed choices.

Recent research has found that almost half of all homeowners surveyed significantly underestimate how much water they use in the home.  Commissioned by Water UK and Waterwise the results show that 46% believe their household uses under 20 litres a day (roughly equivalent to taking a two-minute shower), when the true figure is closer to 142 litres per person per day. This means an average family of four in the UK could use more than 500 litres each day.

The same research found that while people are unsure about the amount of water they consume, the vast majority (68%) say they are willing to reduce the amount of water they use at home to help protect the environment. This resonates with previous research that has shown that consumers do want to know more about water and energy consumption of bathroom products but can’t find the information they seek easily.

The Unified Water Label addresses this issue as it is found on many bathroom products, supported by 160 brands across Europe, and provides clear and simple information on the water and energy consumption of the product.  Products are easily identified from a database that includes over 13,000 products across 14 water using bathroom categories, with numbers growing every week.

When researching new bathroom products,consumers can ask retailers or installers about products that carry the UWL.  The label can be found on the manufacturer’s website, their online literature, product literature and often on the packaging itself.

When you choose a UWL product it will not only help you use water wisely but will reduce energy wastage and save you money. A large proportion of your energy bill comes from heating water so you will see a reduction in your utility bills.  You will also be making a positive contribution to climate change and a difference to those people around the world that don’t have guaranteed access to safe running water.

The UWL is currently available on bathroom products such as shower heads, shower controls, taps, WC suites, cisterns and baths.

Visit www.europeanwaterlabel.eu to find out more and access a directory of products.