Increased consumer demand for eco-friendly options has resulted in the next generation of sustainable water softeners, says Kevin Johnson, Managing Director of Monarch Water and Technical Director of the UK Water Treatment Association,

Environmental issues and the importance of responsible consumption of the world’s resources is high on the agenda in 21st century Britain. The government’s focus on creating a more sustainable approach to water, with plans to reduce individuals’ water usage from 140 litres a day to 100 litres by 2045, has made consumers more conscious of their usage. Consumer awareness has driven demand for more sustainable options which will help them to reduce their water and energy consumption with ease.

The Consumer Council for Water’s research found that conusmers’ attitudes to conserving water has shifted with 13% more English and Welsh adults deciding to use less water now than in 2015. The consumer watchdog concluded that this increased desire to save water was driven by the financial and environmental benefits it offers.

This change in consumer perception and the consequent demand for sustainable options provides both builders’ merchants and installers with the perfect opportunity to introduce the most water and energy efficient products on the market.

With 60% of households living in hard water areas plagued by limescale and only 5% owning a water softener the potential for sales is huge. By selling the latest generation of sustainable water softeners your customers can offer end users a solution to the problems that limescale causes which is not only environmentally sound, but will reduce their energy consumption and utility bills too.

Educating end users about the serious issues limescale can cause around the home and the advantages of installing a sustainable water softener is the key to securing sales. The average family living in a hard water area produces approximately 70kg of limescale a year which leaves pipes thick with scale. This coats heating elements in boilers, washing machines and dishwashers making them less efficient and more costly to run.

In fact, according to British Water, just 1.6mm of limescale on a heating element can reduce its efficiency by up to 12%. Not only does this mean that they have to work harder and use more energy to run, but the likelihood of breakdowns is higher and the lifespan of equipment shorter.

The next generation of sustainable water softeners meet the demand for water and energy conservation, allowing consumers to protect their homes from the ravages of limescale in a more environmentally friendly and efficient way than ever before.

Innovations in water softening technology include higher efficiency units, with some models using up to 24% less water and 12% less salt than equivalent models which gives builders’ merchants and installers a real selling point.

With industry leaders focusing their efforts on more sustainable water softening solutions, builders’ merchants and installers have even more reasons to recommend the next generation of high efficiency models.