Stopping the criminal waste of water

17/12/2007

Governors, officers and inmates at a North East prison have been found not guilty of wasting water.

And they can prove it.  The vital evidence is to be found - in a Durham jail’s loos.

HMP Frankland can prove it is doing what it can to prevent a criminal waste of water with the prisons toilet cisterns now containing Northumbrian Water save-a-flush bags.

More than one thousand free save-a-flush bags have been supplied to the prison by the water company to help prevent thousands of litres of water being wasted every day.

Paul Griffiths, Head of Estates at HMP Frankland, is impressed by the water saving devices.  He said:  "The Prison Service is committed to making savings through more efficient management of energy and water consumption and this can only be achieved with the help of staff, visitors and prisoners.  The key to achieving and maintaining savings are continual monitoring of consumption and senior management commitment.  It makes very good sense to work in partnership with Northumbrian Water to conserve a precious resource which is easily abused.”

Northumbrian Water’s Lorraine Coulson, who works on the Corporate Responsibility team, said:  ” The save-a-flush bags contain a harmless polymer silica mixture which swells on contact with water.  One litre of water is saved every time a toilet, with the water saving device installed, is flushed.  The bags are really easy to install and are very effective.  We are delighted that the inmates and staff at the prison are showing by example their willingness to help conserve water.”

In the North East we are fortunate to have an abundant supply of water but it should not be wasted.  Customers should be generous with the amount of tap water they drink but wise with the amount they use.”

So far this year Northumbrian Water has given away around 5000 save-a-flush bags to water wise customers including schools, businesses and individual consumers.

To request a save-a-flush ring 0845 717 1100, email environment@nwl.co.uk or log onto www.nwl.co.uk

TEN TOP WATER SAVING TIPS FOLLOW ON NEXT SHEET.

• Use a water butt to collect and store your rainwater.
• Use full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine.
• Replace washers on dripping taps - they can waste up to 26 litres of water in 24 hours -   that's enough for a shower!
• Don't leave the tap running when you brush your teeth, use a glass, this can waste 10 litres everytime.
• If you take a bath, don't fill it right to the top, try reducing the level by 1 inch.
• Use a bucket rather than a hose to wash the car.
• If washing up by hand, water the garden with the dirty water rather than tripping down the drain.
• Water plants in the evening to retain moisture in the soil.
• Report any leaks you spot so that we can fix them quickly - ring the leak hotline 0800 393 084.
• Ensure water pipes are lagged correctly this winter to prevent from freezing and bursting.

For further information contact Cara Hall on 0191 301 6720.