PART G WATER

Part G Water Calculations

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If you’re a building developer or homeowner, you need to know about Part G Water Calculations. These calculations are now mandatory for all new builds, extensions, and conversions to meet water efficiency targets and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Falcon Energy is your go-to team for staying up to date with Part G Water Calculations in the UK. We offer a comprehensive testing service and expert advice to help you comply with the necessary regulations.

What are Part G Water Calculations?

Building Control and local councils in England and Wales can now legally request water calculations to prove that a new build, conversion or extension is water efficient. Part G Water Calculations are used to assess the water performance of a property in terms of estimated water consumption per person per day. These calculations ensure that new homes do not use more than 125 litres of potable water per person per day.

This means that building developers will have to consider the types of:

  • Taps
  • Toilets
  • Showers
  • Baths
  • Other water-producing appliances they’ll be fitting

This ensures that everything that is fitted conforms with these guidelines.

Why are Part G Water Calculations Important?

With energy wastage on the rise, local councils and the government are encouraging property owners and homeowners to play their part in energy efficiency, and water output is a key factor. Part G Water Calculations ensure that building projects comply with water efficiency measures and use energy as efficiently as possible. Non-compliance with these water efficiency measures can negatively impact the SAP calculations for the dwelling, which can cause problems when selling the home.

What impacts the water efficiency of a property?

There are several factors that can impact the water efficiency of a property. These include:

  • Flow rates: The flow rates of any showers and taps at the property can have a significant impact on water consumption. Higher flow rates will lead to increased water usage, while reduced flow rates can help to reduce consumption.
  • Dishwasher and washing machine consumption: The consumption of water by dishwashers and washing machines can also impact the overall water efficiency of a property. More efficient machines can help to reduce consumption.
  • Capacity of baths: The capacity of any baths at the property can also impact water efficiency. Larger baths will require more water to fill and can lead to increased consumption.
  • Toilet flush: The flush of the toilet can also have an impact on water efficiency. Dual-flush toilets, which allow users to select a full or partial flush, can help to reduce water consumption.
  • Rain harvesting technologies: The presence of rain harvesting technologies, which capture and reuse rainwater, can help to reduce water consumption.
  • Water softeners: If there are water softeners installed in the property, their efficiency can impact water consumption. More efficient water softeners can help to reduce water consumption and improve overall water efficiency.

Hot water safety

Hot water safety is an important consideration when it comes to building regulations, as scalding can cause serious injury. The risk of scalding is particularly high for vulnerable groups, such as young children and the elderly. To help prevent scalding, Building Regulations Approved Document G specifies that hot water systems must be designed and installed to limit the temperature of the water to a safe level.

One way to achieve this is through the use of thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs), which can be fitted to showers, baths, and other hot water outlets to control the temperature of the water. TMVs work by blending hot and cold water to achieve a safe and consistent temperature, even if there are fluctuations in the temperature or pressure of the incoming water.

In addition to using TMVs, other measures can be taken to improve hot water safety, such as installing temperature gauges to monitor the temperature of the hot water supply and using warning labels or signs to alert users to the potential for scalding. Regular maintenance and servicing of hot water systems can also help to identify and address any potential safety issues.

Why Falcon Energy for Part G Water Calculations?

Our team at Falcon Energy are experts in conducting thorough Part G Water Calculations and ensuring optimal results to tight deadlines and budgets. We offer a range of solutions, including rainwater harvesting systems and reduced flow taps and showers, and can help you find the best solution for your build. Our formal calculations are in line with Building Control regulations and government outlines, and we offer the best advice possible to move your project forward with minimum disruption.

Contact Falcon Energy today for a free, no-obligation quote or expert advice on Part G Water Calculations. You can reach us by calling 01403 253439 or emailing info@falconenergy.co.uk. We’re here to help you comply with the necessary regulations and achieve the highest standards of energy efficiency for your building project.

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Frequently asked questions

Part G Water Calculations are used to assess the water performance of a property in terms of estimated water consumption per person per day. They are required for all new build properties and for existing properties that are being converted and altered, in accordance with the Code for Sustainable Homes and Building Regulations. The most recent amendments were made in 2015.

The water performance targets stated in Building Regulations Part G require that ‘water consumption shall be no greater than 125 litres/person/day’. This is measured by reviewing the flow rates of water features in a property. Calculations are made to correspond to the ‘Water Efficiency Calculator for New Dwellings’, which is available to view online.

Part G water calculations are required for all new build properties and for existing properties that are being converted and altered.

If new builds are required to meet a certain level on the Code for Sustainable Homes, this will affect how water use and features should be planned at the design stage.

Levels 1 and 2 have a maximum of 125 litres/person/day, levels 3 and 4 have a maximum of 105 litres/person/day and levels 5 and 6 have a maximum of 80 litres/person/day.

Calculations should be made at the design stage and again on completion.

Determining whether your property has a high or low-pressure system is an important part of Part G Water Calculations. The Water Efficiency Calculator for New Dwellings specifies that flow rates must be taken at a dynamic pressure of 3±0.2 bar for high-pressure systems or at a dynamic pressure of 0.1±0.02 bar for low-pressure systems.

If your property has a cold water tank, it is likely to have a low-pressure system that is gravity fed. On the other hand, combination boilers and unvented systems often indicate the presence of a high-pressure system. If you are unsure about the type of system you have, our team at Falcon Energy can assess the pressure when conducting your Part G Water Calculations