However, a stark reality looms over much of England with severe water stress forecasted by 2030. This term refers to regions at risk of depleting local water resources to meet everyday demands, a crisis exacerbated by the impacts of climate change and population growth. Consequently, the government has set ambitious targets, aiming for a 25% reduction in water usage
per head. Yet, many remain unaware of their water consumption habits. A recent survey uncovered that two-thirds of Britons underestimate their usage, with over a quarter unable to even hazard a guess.
On average, people thought they used just 57 litres of water each day. The actual number is 144 litres!
Water bills are rising, too. On top of this, escape of water is a real concern – whether it is just a tap left on or a burst pipe. In a commercial or apartment building, a leak on one floor can impact dozens of properties. Leaks are costly in repair terms, disruptive for residents whilst their homes are repaired and a disaster for the environment. Water damage is the number one home insurance claim in the UK – causing more damage than fires and burglaries combined. 1 in 40 households make a leak-related claim every year, with the average payout around £4,000.
Acquiring comprehensive information and safeguarding against water-related risks has become remarkably accessible. Award-winning UK company HeroLabs offers an innovative solution with its award-winning product, Sonic—a compact digital smart-valve. Sonic delivers personalised insights into water consumption, offering
households a detailed breakdown of water usage by various appliances. It serves as a proactive measure against water damage by employing intelligent analysis and automated responses. Sonic’s design emphasises simplicity, aiming to detect and prevent water leaks effectively while also providing early detection of Legionella risks. Installation is effortless, typically situated under the sink, leveraging ultrasonic technology and proprietary AI to monitor water usage and promptly identify anomalies, such as leaks.
Sonic offers warning notifications through its dedicated app and B2B platform. In the event of a problem, it can automatically shut off the water supply, circumventing the need for on-site visits to resolve the issue. Sonic conducts routine pressure tests throughout the entire water system, capable of detecting even the most minute pinhole leaks. Additionally, it functions as a smart sub-meter, providing more precise readings compared to traditional turbine-based utility meters. This empowers property owners and managers to closely monitor water consumption. The adoption of such devices is increasingly common among landlords and insurers. Engaged users have reported a notable 15% reduction in average water usage within three months of installation.
