What is water neutrality and Net Zero Water?

“For every new development, water demand should first be minimized, then any remaining water demand offset, so that the total demand on public water supply in a defined region is the same after development as it was before”

Definition from Waterwise 2021

Water Neutrality is the result of a recent directive from Natural England to lessen the impact of new developments on the existing infrastructure, environment and water resource. Water Stress is an ever increasing problem for areas of England.

Water neutrality will therefore not add to the existing water demand of an area or catchment zone and will have zero impact on existing water abstraction and water mains requirments.

 

How to achieve Net Zero Water/ Water Neutrality?

01. INSTALLING WATER EFFICIENT DEVICES

e.g. low flow taps, dual flush toilets etc.

02. INSTALLING WATER REUSE SYSTEMS

e.g. rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling or other water reuse systems.

03. OFFSETTING ANY REMAINING WATER DEMAND

In the same catchment area by e.g. installing water efficient devices or water reuse system on other properties/projects.

1 and 2 would be achieved within the development itself. 3 would have to be done elsewhere – offsite.

HOW TO CALCULATE WATER NEUTRALITY?​

As per building regulations, you are obliged to achieve a minimum of 125l/p/d in a new development. In water stressed areas this is reduced to 110l/p/d. This includes 5l/pd for outdoor use.

You will have to show that the new development achieves this by providing a water efficiency calculation. Additionally, you would have to show the offset in a separate calculation meeting the left-over potable water demand shown in your previous calculation.

 

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

Water use might vary over time due to a change in behaviour or a change of occupancy.

Moreover, water reuse systems will have to be maintained. Therefore, monitoring of water use is likely to be a requirement.

Why Us?

Innovative
Thinking

The inclusion of some of the most innovative technology the water re-use world has to offer is embedded within our solutions to water neutrality and water reuse systems.

Experience

Net Zero Water is a subsidary of Aquality, thus Net Zero Water is capable of calling upon knowledge of one of the leading suppliers and installers of bespoke water reuse systems.

Professional
Team

Multidisciplinary engineering teams and operators bring with them stacks of knowledge and expertise to be able to solve problems and provide consumers with the best customer service possible.

Data-Driven

Unique and innovative systems integrated with classical robust technology gives Net Zero water and Aquality a cutting edge over our competitiors.

Helping every step of the way

  • Advising how to integrate Water Neutrality most efficiently in your development,
  • Calculating likely water consumption,
  • Advising on best suited water efficiency measures,
  • Sourcing relevant product suppliers or directly supplying,
  • Offering installation services,
  • Maintenance of equipment,
  • Monitoring with real time reports,
  • Helping to find offset requirements if needed/ providing offset certificates from our own scheme.

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Testimonials

Freddie Instone
Freddie InstoneNKR Property Investments
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"Net Zero Water was a great help providing water efficiency advice and water neutrality calculations for our planning application."