The Forum has just published a research summary and research report on The value of water conservation – a cost-benefit-analysis of setting water use targets at building scale.
The research aimed to assess the costs and benefits associated with implementing water saving measures at building-scale in Ireland. A baseline scenario of water consumption of 110 litres per person per day was used representing an average three-bedroom, (two-bathroom) new build house.
- The study used a combined cost to the state of €6.63 per cubic metre (1000 litres) for water and wastewater services.
- Installing low to moderate cost water efficient taps, showers and toilets can reduce water use by 30 litres per person per day and would cost a developer about €180 euros per home.
- If such fittings were put in the 300,000 homes promised in the Programme for Government, the state has the potential to save 2.2 million m3 of water annually cutting approximately €14.6 million in state costs for water and wastewater services.
The research was completed by Dr John Gallagher and Professor Laurence Gill from Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin.
Over the coming weeks the Forum will be sharing this research with Uisce Éireann and the Department of Housing and we will work towards developing advice for the Minister on the issue.
The Value of Water Conservation summary report
The Value of Water Conservation research report
