It is not a secret that water conservation is an issue that impacts everyone all around the world. Increasing awareness of complications related to global warming has also brought attention to the benefits of efforts to keep water in supply for everyone around the world. One of the ways that water can be preserved and protected is to use water neutrality when building new infrastructure in any city.
Water neutrality is an important topic that should be a consideration for anyone who is in construction or even for those who are engaged in industries that necessitate the use of water on a daily basis, such as farming. The goal of water neutrality is to preserve resources and the environment while allowing for progress to continue as needed.
What Is Water Neutrality?
As stated above, water neutrality is achieved when additions to infrastructure in an area do not increase the overall demand for water. The goal of water neutrality is always to have a net zero impact on the mains water supply. Existing water sources are protected in this plan, and the overall environmental condition of an area is taken into consideration as well.
This principle can be applied to both existing infrastructure and new construction, and it can be used to govern private home building as well as commercial expansion. The water neutrality of a region is calculated in periods of 10 to 20 years in most cases, which allows for a thorough survey of the impact of infrastructure on the existing environment in a region.s
How Can Water Neutrality be Accomplished?
Water neutrality is primarily achieved by reducing water use. Reusing and recycling water onsite can go a long way towards this goal, and offsetting water demand for the existing community is also typically a consideration. There is a set order that must be followed to get the maximum benefit from a water neutrality plan.
Reduce Water Use
This is done through the use of efficient devices and processes. Smart meters can be used as well, and a water-saving culture will need to be implemented in the region that might be impacted. A single person acting alone to preserve water will not make any appreciable gain toward the water neutrality goal. This is very much a cooperative effort in places where water neutrality is achieved.
The best way to prevent water waste is to be sure that bathroom fixtures, such as showers, are set up with water-saving technology. Shower heads and faucets that help to preserve water are very affordable and can make a big impact on water use in a community or region. Smart meters are also a great way to help people to see how much water they are using and to identify issues like water leaks. When a water-saving culture is implemented in a community, this also helps to raise awareness and prevent water waste.
Reuse Water
This can be done through rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling. In some areas, blackwater recycling is also possible. Flushing toilets and other daily uses of water are some of the most wasteful of all, so being able to reuse these water supplies can be key to achieving water neutrality.
Rainwater harvesting is a great way to collect water that would otherwise go to waste. This is a very simple system to implement, and homeowners can even set up their own rainwater collection system. Greywater and blackwater recycling is the responsibility of the community, and applying for grants and funding to make changes to water processing plants can be required to make these kinds of recycling possible.
Blackwater recycling can be the costliest water neutrality solution to implement, but it can provide a means to preserve much of the water that is flushed through toilets or washed down the sink each year. The average person in UK and Wales will use 152 L of water a day. Actions like taking a full bath consume 80L of water alone. The amount of water that is turned into wastewater every day alone is staggering. Being able to bring back this water for use can be a key way to achieve water neutrality.
Offset Water Use
This step requires funding for some of the infrastructure necessary to effect change, but this can often be offset by taxes. Repairs and retrofitting done to buildings that are causing water losses can also be a good strategy. There are various ways to offset water use that can be applied quite easily in many communities.
Retrofitting homes with new water-saving technology can be a very cost-effective way to save a lot of water every year. Fixing water leaks and improving water recycling systems can also help to offset water usage in any community. Smart meters and some of the other educational processes that lead to water-saving awareness are also part of the water offsetting process. Without education and alterations to things like showerheads and faucets, efforts to achieve water neutrality will likely be mostly in vain.
Water Neutrality Should be the Goal of All Communities
No matter what the current state of water use is in any given community, there should always be an eye turned toward ways to achieve water neutrality. Increasing concerns over the availability of water all around the world have made this an essential goal for any community that is concerned about the conservation of its water resources.
Water neutrality is possible to achieve through diligent efforts on the part of everyone in each community and through the support of the local government. This goal can be readily achieved through a multi-faceted effort within any community. Saving water is not enough. Reuse and recycling also need to be a part of any water neutrality scheme. Water neutrality is a critical aspect of any future reality where there are enough water resources for everyone around the world. This is no longer a question of preference, and everyone needs to work hard to be part of the solution which limits water waste all around the world.
Water Neutrality in Sussex North
The first of it’s kind in the UK, Water Neutrality in Sussex North has been implemented in September of 2021 by Natural England to protect wildlife, specifically the Whirlpool Ram Horn, which has seen a decline in their numbers do to the usage of water from the Pullbrough Brooks.
Net Zero Water, with their years of experience in the Water recycling industry through Aquality, have been at the forefront of providing real world solution to all involved. From writing Water Neutrality Statements for planning so work flows aren’t stunted to engaging in dialogue with Southern Water, local councils and Natural England.
How Can NetZeroWater Help?
Here at Net Zero Water, we have been working on Water neutrality for around 2 years. In key Areas such as West Sussex where is has become government regulation to achieve water neutrality in order to gain planning permission, Net Zero Water has been instrumental in the push for developers, planners and architects in their bid to achieve water neutrality.
Be sure to call or email for any queries regarding water neutrality.
