Smart shower technology aims to help tackle water shortages

A smart tech company has invented a new product to help people cut down on water use.

Showerkap, based in Warnham, says its technology could be part of the solution to ongoing water shortages and climate pressures.

It uses behavioural prompts in showers to help users reduce water consumption and is currently being tested at the Sandman Signature London Gatwick hotel, where it has already cut usage by more than half.

Steve Harding, CEO and founder of Showerkap, said: "In the UK we have been using more water than we can replenish, because water use is largely hidden and hard to measure.

"These amounts are unsustainable and the problem urgently needs addressing."

The company has welcomed the newly launched national 'Let's Save Water' campaign, which aims to encourage the public to treat water as a precious resource and reduce daily usage by 28 litres.

A partnership involving water companies, Ofwat, the Environment Agency, the Met Office and Natural Resources Wales is behind the campaign, which is believed will be paid for by water companies over four years.

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As part of its efforts, Showerkap is working with hotels and universities to promote water-saving habits.

Gints Skieris, manager at the Sandman Signature hotel, said: "The scheme has been instrumental in significantly reducing water and energy use and has been well received.

"As a hotel which prides itself on having sustainability at its core, the technology enables guests to make more eco-friendly decisions that will hopefully become part of their daily lives."

Mr Harding believes public awareness and simple, effective technology are key to lasting change.

He said: "The drought of 1976 has proved that the British public can radically change their water use habits, and for this campaign to be a success, technology must be user friendly, as studies show that this is key for change to become an ingrained habit."

According to the company, showers are the biggest water drain in UK households, with 2 billion litres wasted each day.

Water use in England and Wales remains among the highest in Europe, averaging around 140 litres per person per day.