As we begin to get ready for the oncoming cold winter, its important to be mindful of protecting our homes.  Many  problems can arise over the winter period in the form of underground leaks, leaks from heating systems and burst water pipes which can cause serious damage, cost and inconvenience.  It is also important to remember other homes that may have tenants or holiday homes which are left unoccupied for long periods. Domestic Leak Detection. If you suspect a leak, the source of the leak must be found and repaired. Prior to calling your plumber give Smart Energy Systems a quick call to discuss your problem, we may be able to help pinpoint the location of your leak, which will minimize the floor space that you will have to take up. It can be hard to find the source of Water Leaks, because the water may travel along a pipe from the leak before it drips out. Our technicians are trained to spot the identifying factors for locating the exact spot where the leak began and carry with them a range of Leak Detection Equipment that will help trace and locate the position of the water leak. To find and fix the source of a leak, or for any advice in relation to conserving water, please feel free to contact us today. How to be prepared this winter. Make sure that all exposed water pipes and tanks  are properly and adequately insulated. Consider purchasing frost protection cables. If you suspect your pipes are frozen, use a hot water bottle or hairdryer (keeping it well away from any water) on low heat will assist in achieving a gradual defrost. Always start from the end nearest to the tap. NEVER use a naked flame to thaw it out. During severe freezing temperatures try leaving the heating on constantly at a low heat. Open the attic trap door to allow heat into the attic. Inspect your cold water tank regularly. Know where your main stop valve is located and make sure you can turn it on/off. Repair dripping taps and toilets. Wrap a towel around an outside tap. Purchase a stopcock cosy to cover your external stockcock. Turn off the domestic water supply if your home is being left for a long period. Have the Smart Energy Systems number handy (tel: 0818 288 050) and call us or contact us ([email protected]) if you have any concerns or suspect a leak.

source edie newsroom

Business leaders are being called on to address global water challenges by investing in projects that tackle scarcity and secure the world’s most precious resource.

2030 Water Resources Group executive director, Anders Berntell, said: “This report provides a foundation for informed, collaborative decision making between the public and private sector; between government and finance and between local communities and city, regional and national authorities”.

The report also recommends giving prioritisation to projects which focus on reducing consumptive use of water; developing mechanisms and incentives which help reduce consumptive use and prioritisation of interventions that deliver the greatest basin level benefit at the lowest unit cost.

According to 2030 WRG’s, there will be a 40% gap between supply and demand for freshwater by 2030.

This growing gap between safe freshwater supply and water demand is “forcing the world to tackle the issue from a new and more collaborative perspective”, says 2030 WRG.

This includes cooperation between the government to provide appropriate policies and regulations, the private sector to provide innovation and technology, and civil society to provide inputs from the users.

Lead author of the report and Arup associate for Water, Mark Tindale, said: “Water affects every aspect of our lives – from personal health and well-being; through to the food we eat; products we buy; the shape of our towns and cities and economic and international development”.

“The challenge in preparing the publication has been establishing a simple mechanism to evaluate and compare the impact of a wide range of initiatives on river basin level water scarcity and communicate this in a manner that enables business leaders and policy makers to bring about meaningful change,” added Tindale.

Leigh Stringer

In the run up to World Water Day 2013 its important that businesses do their bit to help save this precious resource.

Depending on the size of your business and the prices in your area, water conservation can mean saving hundreds and even thousands of Euro’s each year so make sure you have a water-saving strategy in place.

A good first step to save water in the workplace is to carry out an overall assessmnet of water consumption.  Perform a detailed inspection of faucets, toilets and any other equipment that uses water.

Look for leaks and make repairs or replace as needed.  If you suspect a large leak, the source of the leak must be found and repaired.  Prior to calling your plumber give Smart Energy Systems a call to discuss your problem, we may be able to help pinpoint the location of your leak, which will minimize the floor space that you will have to take up.

Set up regular inspections and maintenace.  If your water facilities are complex contact Smart Energy Systems and we will carry out a water audit and advise on where savings can be made.

Replace old or inefficient equipment – immediate saving on water will be realised.

• Install water saving aerators on faucets and reduce water usage by 50%.
• If your business uses urinals switch to Waterless Urinals and immediately stop unncessary flushing.
• Install water displacement devices in your toilet.
• Reduce your flow rates by over 60% by installing aerated showerheads.

As the costs of bringing water to a potable/drinking standard is increasing all the time, consider Rainwater Harvesting for your company.

Draft a water-use policy and involve employees by asking them for suggestions.  Invite a representative from Smart Energy Systems to come and speak with employees and offer suggestions for saving water.

Sponsor a community water conservation project.

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25 February 2013, source edie newsroom Conor McGlone.

At least 20% of the 1,600 jobs created by Irish Water’s domestic water metering programme will be given to people from small local businesses and the unemployed, it was announced today.

In addition, the social inclusion commitment, which will form part of the regional management contractor’s contracts, will include the requirement that 5% of the jobs created will be apprentices, graduates or school leavers.

The metering programme starts in July 2013 and will run until September 2016, during which time over one million meters will be installed in homes across the country.

Ireland’s Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government Phil Hogan said the programme would benefit small businesses and ensure that skilled workers are given an opportunity to re-enter the workforce.

The Irish Water metering programme will create up to 2,000 jobs including 1,600 on the ground installing meters and 400 in Irish Water’s call centre supporting the programme.

Hogan said: “Irish water will install 27,000 meters per month, which is a challenging target but deliverable by having local crews working on the ground. The commitment is to focus on developing a world class national water infrastructure that meets the needs of a growing population in a socially inclusive and sustainable manner.”