Introduction
A residential care facility, located in a coastal region, is one of many sites monitored by a utility management provider as part of an ongoing partnership with a national healthcare group. The facility faced a significant water usage issue, identified through proactive monitoring services. The daily average water consumption at the care home was found to be 22 m³, with a constant flow of 440 litres per hour, which was considerably higher than expected.

The Problem: Identifying the Hidden Leak
Despite multiple attempts to identify the cause of the excessive water usage, the issue persisted. The utility provider’s water-saving specialist conducted a detailed survey during the evening shift when fewer staff and activities were taking place. This allowed for a more focused investigation using leak detection equipment, which led to the discovery of a leak under the kitchen floor. The leak was on a hot water pipe, meaning both water and the energy used to heat the water were being lost. This had significant cost implications for the care facility, as it not only wasted water but also resulted in higher energy costs for heating the lost water.

The Resolution: Timely Leak Detection and Repair
Upon identifying the leak, the utility management provider delivered a comprehensive survey report with all the necessary details. The care facility’s maintenance team then carried out the repair, addressing the issue directly. After the repair was completed, water usage was monitored to ensure that the problem had been fully resolved.

Before the repair, the facility’s average daily water consumption was 22 m³, with a constant flow of 440 litres per hour. After the repair, the average daily consumption dropped to 14 m³, and the constant flow reduced to just 80 litres per hour, reflecting a significant reduction in water usage.

The Impact: Significant Savings and Sustainable Water Management
The intervention has had a clear and measurable impact:

• Before the Repair: 22 m³ per day with 440 litres per hour constant flow
• After the Repair: 14 m³ per day with 80 litres per hour constant flow
• Water Saved Annually: 2,920 m³
• Annual Cost Savings: £8,400
• Additional Cost Savings due to heating of lost water estimated at £4,000 per year

This case study also highlights the extent of the utility provider’s servicing across the UK. Their water-saving experts are able to travel to any part of the UK, providing high-value, on-site services that address specific inefficiencies and contribute to substantial cost savings and energy efficiency improvements. Whether in remote locations or urban centres, the provider’s team is equipped to deliver top-tier service and tailored solutions to clients nationwide.