PUBLIC RELUCTANT TO USE GREY WATER

A reluctance among the public to recycle 'grey water' in the home is one of the issues that has come to light following the first session of Wealden's Select Committee inquiry into the Water Infrastructure in Wealden.

The all-party Select Committee has heard contributions from major house builder, George Wimpey Homes and the domestic energy consultant Enact Energy.

"Greywater is the water which has already been used for washing clothes,or in the kitchen or from bath and showers," explained Councillor Mrs Jane Clark. "By using different plumbing systems, it can be collected and re-used either for watering gardens or flushing loos. But it appears that this idea has yet to catch on in this country."

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It is estimated that 50-80 per cent of waste water from homes could be reused as 'grey water'. As part of the district's long term planning responsibilities under the Local Development Framework, the Council intends to produce a Wealden-wide design guide outlining what it will expect from developers with regard to water conservation and energy efficiency.

Whatever future changes are made in designing homes, the Select Committee points out there is still much that can be done now to help alleviate the current water shortage, particularly in view of the fact that people in the South East use more water - 160 litres a day compared to a national average of 149 litres a day. Just by turning the tap off when brushing their teeth, the South East could save 380 million litres a day.

Other tips include:

'¢ Only use washing machines and dishwashers when they have a full load.

'¢ Take a five minute shower rather than have a bath.

'¢ Use a rainwater butt to water the garden - plants prefer rain water to tap water as it provides more nourishment.

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To help save water when flushing the toilet , Wealden District Council is handing out free HIPPO water-saving devices. These conserve an average of three litres of water in the cistern every time a toilet is flushed. They are no longer necessary with dual flush toilets. Residents can collect a free Hippo from Reception at Wealden's Vicarage Lane in Hailsham or Pine Grove offices in Crowborough.

"On behalf of the Select Committee I would like thank George Wimpey Homes and Enact Energy for coming to our meeting to help us. We regret that the Downland Housing Association were unable to attend," said Councillor Mrs Clark.

The Select Committee's next session in its Water Infrastructure Review will take place at the Committee Room at Pine Grove, Crowborough. It include evidence from South East Water, Southern Water and the Environment Agency. Meetings are open to the public.