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The "Signet Water Saver" is a groundbreaking process for treating domestic greywater to give clean, clear, microbiologically safe water for reuse in all non-potable applications.
About
Signet Water Ltd. (SW) is seeking to revolutionise domestic water use with an innovative water treatment technology that can halve household water consumption. SW has adapted conventional electrochemical water treatment developing a process that efficiently treats poorly conductive waters such as household greywater.
SW has designed and built a demonstration unit capable of treating household grey water to a standard suitable for reuse in non-potable applications. The process produces clean, clear and microbiologically safe water that meets the stringent British BS8525 and American NSF/ANSI 350 standards, making it suitable for toilet flushing, washing machines, household cleaning, car washing, swimming pool top up and garden irrigation.
The benefits of grey water treatment, recovery and reuse at the household level are numerous. It promotes water conservation, cost savings, environmental sustainability, carbon reduction and community resilience. This innovative approach to water use could have a profound impact on sustainable building design as an integral part of new housing construction.
Key Benefits
The technology offers the capability to be a cost-effective solution for property developers to utilise in the construction of water-smart houses that meet planning requirements. By treating greywater for reuse within the house, the technology will enable compliance with the proposed UK Future Homes Standard of 105 litres per person per day, reducing to 90 litres per person per day by 2030.
The technology is low-cost and minimally impacts the construction cost of new homes. It can address potential housing construction delays due to water scarcity, which is a growing issue in the UK, especially in the South and East of England. Water scarcity may hinder new house construction, potentially affecting the UK economy. An estimate suggests that water scarcity could cost the UK economy £25 billion over the next five years due to undelivered housing.
The Signet Water Saver will significantly reduce household water consumption, thereby lowering water and wastewater bills. Additionally, the technology offers the potential for heat recovery, further reducing household expenses. An evaluation by engineers at Robert Gordon University found that the heat in treated greywater from this process could be recovered to enhance heat pump performance, aiding the Net Zero Agenda and providing an additional financial benefit to the householder.
Applications
The key market the company is targeting are housing construction companies to enable new builds to be water smart with particular focus on southern and eastern England where water scarcity is impacting planning.
The technology is relevant across the UK due to rising water scarcity and consumer costs, as well as the additional benefit of heat recovery.
Additionally, the technology has worldwide applications in areas facing water scarcity. One significant market outside the UK is the UAE, where Signet Water has a collaboration. Market entry could be swift as housing already includes dual pipe systems for the reuse of treated greywater, and water costs are steadily increasing.