Smart Water Systems: How Construction Sites Can Use Water More Sustainably

Blog-March 18, 2022

As construction sites seek to embrace sustainability, the majority focus heavily on CO2 emissions from their welfare units and other key machinery. But what is frequently overlooked is the often highly unsustainable use of water throughout projects.

Water waste goes unnoticed

Of course, water is essential to construction. We use it for everything from grouting and dust suppression to drinking and WC facilities. The problem is we are not sufficiently aware of how wasteful this usage can be. 

The UK does not currently experience severe water shortages. But with more than 785 million people across the globe struggling to access clean water¹, we still have a responsibility to be mindful about our use of this vital resource. 

The sustainable management of water is one of the UN’s key Sustainable Develop Goals (SDGs) for a reason. And for construction leaders looking to improve their site’s ESG credentials, making better use of water is key.

Understanding onsite water waste

The average construction vehicle has four basic problems when it comes to water usage:

  1. The water is generally sourced from water supplies rather than more sustainable alternatives
  2. The water is not recycled after usage
  3. Water tanks for facilities are often too small, leading to regular refills that produce high carbon emissions and enviable waste
  4. The usage is difficult to manage and therefore non-optimal

The result is that most sites’ water system is not environmentally sound. It wastes water, produces unnecessary carbon emissions and is often highly unreliable.

Our Smart Water solves this problem

At Welfare Hire, all of our mobile welfare units come fitted with a Smart Water system which solves these problems and immediately improves the overall sustainability of your construction site. 

The ECOXLi, for example, offers a complete system. 

It harvests 100% recyclable rainwater to refill the unit’s water tanks and WCs. This is then stored in an XL water tank with 340L capacity, which reduces the need for maintenance and servicing. And it comes fitted with a Smart Telemetry system which monitors the usage of water in order to minimise the need for transport and ensure there is always clean water available.  

With this system, the welfare unit is able to provide water whenever it is needed, as well as two ECO water flush toilets – all while reducing the amount of water your site needs to operate on and lowering carbon emissions.

The benefits are clear for your business, your workers and the planet.

1.https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/global/wash_statistics.html#:~:text=The%20latest%20published%20information%20on,have%20safe%20water%20to%20drink.

Get in touch to try it yourself

If you’d like to future proof your business with a Smart Water System, reach out to our sales team today.