News

Accelerating UK System Readiness for Recirculating Showers

Trials of innovative water-saving shower go live at NeRV

In a first for the UK, an innovative recirculating shower has been installed into one of our test properties on Futures Close.

Recirculating showers can cut shower water and heat use by up to 80% without compromising experience. They are currently sold in parts of Europe and North America but not in the UK due to compliance uncertainties.

The installation in our 1950s bungalow is part of the Fair Water project, which is led by Northumbrian Water. Partners including National Energy Action, Northern Gas Networks, Newcastle University and Procter & Gamble are supporting the trial.

Funded through OfWat’s £36 million Water Innovation Challenge, Fair Water aims to test and develop more effective and sustainable water and energy solutions for homeowners – including those on low-incomes, the elderly and vulnerable.

The broader project focuses on four common household activities that rely on water: clothes washing, dishwashing, showering and toilet use.

Researchers from Newcastle University, supported by NWG and P&G, are exploring three types of intervention:

  • behavioural nudges through educational materials
  • cleaning products designed for low temperature and low water use
  • introduction of new technologies and appliances.

The aim is to understand which approaches are most effective in helping UK households to:

  • reduce water consumption
  • lower energy emissions
  • cut utility bills.

Northumbrian Water invited 10,000 households across North East England to take part in the research. 162 households expressed interest and 55 agreed to have sensors installed in their homes.

These sensors are providing detailed insights into water and energy use, including smart water meters, flow sensors, shower duration monitors and smart plugs.

In parallel to gathering household usage data and building understanding of behaviours via a customer panel, trials of the water-saving shower will validate whether such technology is part of the ‘customer transition pathway’ to net zero.

“We’re delighted to be involved in this data-driven collaboration that’s driving innovation in household water and energy usage.

“Recirculating showers offer double the flow rate of traditional showers and up to 80% less water and energy consumption so we know they have huge potential.

“While this technology is already available in other countries, its suitability for the UK market is yet to be established. Consumer demand for it is increasing and significant growth is expected by 2030.

“It’s vital that products are rigorously tested in real-life conditions with no risk or disruption to homeowners. NeRV offers the ideal test bed for controlled trials of new technologies like this.”

David Lynch
Decarbonisation Manager, NeRV

Trials of the product have commenced on site at NeRV and will run until October 2026.

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