WATER TECHNOLOGY LIST BOOSTED BY ADDITIONS TO TAPS AND TOILETS
The Water Technology List (WTL) has now been expanded to include two new sub-categories for ‘low flow’ screw down/lever taps and retrofit WC flushing devices, it was announced last week.
The WTL is part of the scheme for Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA) for water efficient technologies and includes products that meet the published eligibility criteria.
Businesses purchasing products from the WTL not only benefit from saving money on their water bills, but can also claim ECAs which provide up-front tax relief and can deliver a cashflow boost.
Water efficient ‘low flow’ taps operated by a conventional twist-handle (screw down) or lever will be added to existing sub-categories for automatic shut off taps, electromagnetically operated taps and spray taps. Conventional screw down/lever taps currently represent around 90% of all taps sold in the UK so there is significant potential for water efficient models. The availability of an ECA on this type of tap provides an incentive to choose a WTL approved product over an inefficient tap and will help businesses save water.
Retrofit WC flushing devices will be a new sub-category under the efficient toilets category.
The WC accounts for up to 50% of commercial water use and retrofit flushing devices offer significant potential to save water. Savings in water use of around 30-40% can be achieved by replacing existing WC flushing devices with retrofit flushing devices.
Dr Stuart Ballinger of Envirowise said “The expansion of the WTL further demonstrates the Government’s commitment to the scheme and to helping businesses in the UK reduce water consumption. The WTL now has something for everyone, whether you are a small office or a large industrial site you can not only benefit through reducing your water and effluent costs but you could also obtain accelerated tax relief on your investment”.
In addition, two new technology categories have been added to the WTL: small-scale slurry and sludge dewatering equipment and efficient washing machines (for large scale fabric washing).
Envirowise estimates that sites, which have not previously examined their water consumption, can usually achieve around 30% savings on water and effluent bills, by implementing simple water management measures at little or no cost to the business. By investing in WTL products these savings can increase to 50% as they form part of a more structured and long-term water-saving project.
To find out more about purchasing products from the WTL or to register a product for inclusion on the List, visit www.eca-water.gov.uk or call 0800 585794.
