Device could save 75% of water used around the house, expert claims

A water conservation company based in Cork claims a new product could help save up to 75% of water used around the house.

Flogenic is a float valve which can be fitted to a tank and uses water purification tablets to sterilise water. This means water harvested from rainfall can be sterilised to such a degree that it can be used anywhere in the house, for baths, showers, or even as drinking water.

Previously, rainwater gathered from a special tank in the garden was only suitable for use in toilets. As such, the method did not gain widespread popularity — people could not justify going through the procedure of getting a rainwater tank and pumping it all the way up to the attic just to save on the amount of water used when flushing toilets.

Martin Lane, an expert in water conservation and managing director of Watersave, said the Flogenic is a game-changer, and said rainwater harvesting is the way forward and the best way to cut water charges.

“The simplicity of the device is unbelievable,” said Mr Lane. “It’s like a ball cock that fits into a standard tank which uses Aquatabs to purify the water.”

Fitting out a house for rainwater harvesting, including outside tank, pump, and pipes, costs upwards of €1,500. The Flogenic device costs €160. After this, the only recurring fee is €65 for cartridges, each of which treats 90,000 litres of water.

A family of two adults and two children would use around 180,000 litres of water a year on average. After initial installation, water for a year for the family would cost €130 instead of over €500 in charges from Irish Water.

As such, households that decide to go down the water harvesting route would see a return on their investment in less than four years.

In addition, Mr Lane said, replacing a cartridge is “easier than changing a lightbulb”.

Admitting he agrees with water charges in general, he does think the proposed cost of water at the moment is overpriced. “We’re probably among the highest payers in Europe for water now at the moment. It’s way too high,” said Mr Lane.

Rainwater harvesting isn’t the only way to save water, Mr Lane added. “You can fit small devices onto your toilets that will reduce the amount of water you flush by at least 50%. These devices are cheap, they’re readily available all over the country, and can be fitted in a few minutes.”

The Flogenic device was launched at the annual Ideal Home Show, running at the RDS until Monday.