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Eco-efficient toilet could save UK 1.85 billion litres of water daily

Thursday 3 August 2006

A revolutionary water-saving toilet could stop us flushing billions of litres of precious water down the drain every day, and save billions of pounds in water supplies to drought-prone areas locally and globally.

The Propelair WC, designed and prototyped by Phoenix Product Development Ltd based at the Knowledge Dock Business Centre at the University of East London (UEL), uses an innovative displaced air flushing system requiring less than 1.5 litres of water per flush, just a sixth of the 9 litres used by an average UK toilet.

The results of a 6 month trial held at the Water Research Centre in Swindon between February and July, show that if every house in the UK were to install Propelair, 1.85 billion litres of water would be saved each day and the UK’s water needs would be reduced by up to 10%.

It has attracted praise from environmentalists, the Environment Agency and from Treasury minister Stephen Timms, the MP for East Ham who has followed the progress of the Propelair project, was impressed by the success of the trials.

Stephen Timms said: “The Propelair technology is an ingenious development. With levels of water demand a growing concern in the UK – not least in the Thames Gateway – as well as in many drier parts of the world, it could have a very important future role as an effective, economical solution.”

Garry Moore, Managing Director of Phoenix Product Development, and creator of the Propelair system, said: “The importance of water conservation technology is now paramount, with properties across the UK facing the prospect of compulsory water metering and developers facing tighter restrictions on water use in both residential and commercial buildings.

“The Water Research Centre estimates that even a modest uptake of the Propelair system could create a saving of 140 million litres of water daily.”

Darryl Newport, Director of the Sustainability Research Institute at the University of East London, said: “This technology saves water and energy, and has great potential to help us deliver a sustainable future. As temperatures are expected to increase due to climate change, water shortages are likely to become a common occurrence and this type of innovative system can only help reduce the overall impact on the environment.”

Moore is currently talking to manufacturers and investors with a view to putting the Propelair system onto the market and is also seeking a partner for a large-scale trial of Propelair in a commercial or public building. For further details, contact Garry Moore on 020 8223 7784 or info@propelair.com

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For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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