Low flow tapware – use less hot water, deliver great pressure

Normal taps account for 15 to 18 litres per minute, while a low-flow model can use as little as 2 litres per minute, or a third of a standard tap.

Here are three great ways to use a lower flow, save a bit of money and still have good water pressure:

1. Fit aerators to kitchen taps. These simulate high pressure by dragging air through and cutting the flow of water from your tap by 50 percent without reducing water pressure. They are inexpensive and easy to install.
2. If you have a very strong shower, have your plumber fit a pressure-limiting valve to reduce flow to the whole plumbing system.
3. Replace tap fittings and showerheads with water-efficient fittings. Check the WELS label for the most efficient models. Shower heads with a three-star rating use no more than nine litres of water per minute, whereas traditional showerheads use between 15 and 20 litres.

What is WELS?

WELS is the Water Efficiency Labeling Scheme, which helps us to compare products based on a 6 star rating scheme, with a higher number of stars indicating a more water efficient product.  Products are submitted for testing at WELS facilities before being awarded a rating.

Read more about WELS here: https://environment.govt.nz/assets/Publications/Files/new-zealand-wels-information-for-suppliers-and-style-guide.pdf

Showers

Showers generate about 25 percent of water savings under the WELS Scheme because:

A standard showerhead uses about 15 to 25 litres of water per minute – a three star rated water efficient showerhead uses as little as 6 or 7 litres per minute.

A standard shower head uses at least 120 litres of water per eight-minute shower whereas a water efficient model uses less than 72 litres or 40 per cent less water.

Installing a water-efficient showerhead saves about 14,500 litres per household each year.

Taps

WELS taps save water because:

Typical taps discharge 15 to 18 litres per minute compared with low-flow and aerating models which use as little as 2 litres per minute depending on the intended application.

Taps with an aerator or flow restrictor may reduce flow to less than a third of standard taps.

Advantages of Low Flow Taps

Low-flow taps offer a number of benefits for the home, including:

Saving on water usage

Saving on electricity use

Reducing pressure on natural water resources

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