If you do not have a water meter, the amount of water consumption is determined according to the norms. The norms are set by the local self-government bodies depending on the type of residential stock development (equipping apartments with sanitary ware).

In order to pay only for amount of water you consume, you should have a meter water.

What is a water meter?

What is a water meter? 

Water meter is a device for metering the amount (volume) of water going through the water pipe over a certain period of time.

Types of meters 

-   electromagnetic (inductive). Operating principle: effect of electromagnetic field on the flow of current-conducting fluid (water) and measuring of electromotive force which appears in the flow according to Faraday's law of induction and is proportional to water flow speed. These meters require uninterrupted power supply. High cost. Low-sensitivity to water impurities;

-   ultrasonic. Operating principle: the device generates ultrasonic signals alongside the flow and against the flow. The difference between signals passing through the flow is proportional to flow speed. These meters can operate both from the mains and autonomous power supply. Less sensitive to water impurities due to the absence of rotating parts. Compact size, High cost;

-   vortex (ultrasonic vortex). Operating principle: V-block placed in the flow causes successive vortex bundles (Karman vortex street), the distance between which is proportional to flow speed. The ultrasonic fixation of bundle interchanges is transformed by the device into consumption indicators. These meters require uninterrupted power supply. High precision and cost. Often used in industry;

-   tachometric (mechanical). Operating principle: impeller or turbine rotates due to flow movement and conveys rotation to the metering mechanism. They do not require power supply. They are the most popular residential meters. Cheaper than all other types.

Installing meters will help you control water consumption and save up to 30% on your bills monthly.

The average cost of a tachometric cold water meter produced by a Ukrainian manufacturer is UAH 150-250.

These meters are need calibration every 2-4 years.

Issues of water metering for consumers are regulated by:

– Law of Ukraine “On Metrology and Metrological Activities”.
– Rules for providing services for district heating, cold and hot water supply and sewage approved by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine # 630 of 07/21/2005.
– Rules for the use of the district communal water supply and sewage systems in residential centers of Ukraine approved by the Order of the Ministry of HCS of Ukraine # 190 of 27 June 2008, registered by the Ministry of Justice on 7 October 2008, # 936/15627.
– Rules for the technical operation of water supply and sewage systems in residential centers of Ukraine (hereinafter – Rules 2) approved by the Order  of the State Committee of Ukraine on HCS # 30 of 5 July 1995, registered by the Ministry of Justice on 21 July 1995, # 231/767.

According to these documents, water metering is done by the metering equipment included in the State Registry that has passed the state metrological certification.

AERATOR NOZZLE

What is an aerator?

An efficient way to reduce water consumption for hygienic needs is equipping the faucets and mixer taps with water saving nozzles (aerators). They work by mixing water flow with air. The volume of the stream increases, so you do not feel any loss of comfort from the reduced water supply.  



According to standard GOST 19681-94, water consumption in a tap must be 12 l per minute (l/min).  But to properly wash dirty hands, this is more than enough – even 6 l/min would be enough. With the installation of the aerator nozzle on the tap or shower we can cut water consumption in half. The most efficient aerators may give even higher reduction in water consumption – up to 80%.

Some aerators can also change the angle of the water stream, which may be very comfortable for use, especially in the kitchen.

Types of aerators

Many different aerators are presented in the market today.

They may differ in:
-    purpose: for shower or tap;
-    water consumption: from 1.5 l/min to 8 l/min;
-    stream type: a regular stream or a number of small streams (like a shower).

Advantages of aerators

-    mixer clogging is completely excluded;
-    suitable for all types of mixers;
-    no water splashes;
-    useful life – up to 10 years;
-    low cost (average price – UAH 60-80); and
-    quick payback.

You can buy an aerator nozzle at practically any sanitary wares store or over the Internet.

DISHWASHER

It has been calculated that an average Ukrainian family spends over 200 hours a year doing the dishes. It is a proven fact that in order to save water, one must wash up in a bowl or sink, and only rinse the dishes with running water.

But the most economical option of water consumption for washing up is the dishwasher. Its advantage compared to manual washing is that water circulates inside the machine and is not flushed/filled permanently. But when using a dishwasher, one must remember to fully load the machine for  maximum savings.

Dishwashers come in different sizes. The smaller the dishwasher is, the less dish sets it can take for one washing. The smallest dishwasher is for 4 sets, the largest – for 15 sets.

Advantages of dishwashers

1.    Water saving. It is especially important for those who have water meters installed. For a regular dishwasher (inexpensive one), water consumption in economic operation mode is 10 l, and in intensive mode – 14 l. In more expensive models, these specifications are better. This means that 10-12 sets of dishes can be washed with just one bucket of water.
Even the most economical housewife who washes up in a thin trickle of water or in a filled sink will spend at least 40-50 l for such washing. Further reducing water consumption in this case is possible only at the expense of poorer washing quality. Thus, a dishwasher would use 4-5 times less water. Every washing cycle saves you from 30 to 40 l, i.e. about 1 m3 of water a month if you do your dishes daily.

2.    The dishes are already dry after washing. There is no need to place them in special dish boxes.

3.    The dishwasher washes the dishes a lot more thoroughly than manual washing. The secret is simple: high temperature (up to 70°C) and highly active washing agents.  The dishes are carefully treated and disinfected. This is especially important for families with children.

4.    If you buy an energy saving dishwasher, you do not have to worry about electricity consumption (electricity consumption is from 0.8 to 1.5 kWh per cycle).

5.    If your dishwasher has an AQUA-Stop function, you will never flood your neighbors downstairs.

6.    If your dishwasher has a “half load” function, its use becomes even more economical.

Disadvantages of dishwashers

1.    Significant washing cycle duration. The most thorough washing programs last from 1.5 to 3 hours.

2.    Many dishwasher models have no door blocking function. For families with small children this may become a problem as children can open the door and water will leak to the floor.

3.    It is necessary to rinse off large food remains from the dishes before loading them to the dishwasher.

4.    Some dishwasher models have little noise insulation and produce loud specific sounds during operation.

But in general a dishwasher is a very useful thing. Despite being expensive, its payback period is 3-4 years (the higher is your water tariff – the sooner it will pay back).

And do not forget to care for your helper. Keeping the dishwasher clean is a necessary and regular procedure.

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