New toilet cuts water consumption by 84 percent

Here’s a brilliant idea that we think needs recognition, particularly given that water restrictions are starting to become commonplace in western countries. The Propelair WC uses just 1.5 litres per flush compared with the 9 litres used by an average UK toilet– in one household alone, this can save 5 tonnes of water per month. The Propelair system looks like a conventional toilet and is used in the same way. It has a sealable lid that allows air to force waste and a small amount of water from the bowl, giving improved flushing and drainage performance. The system generates its own air, requires no ancillary equipment and connects to existing plumbing, but can also connect via flexible waste-pipes for awkward installations … and uses one sixth of the water used by a conventional toilet system. The inventors is seeking sanitary ware manufacturers and investors with a view to putting the Propelair system onto the market. It is also seeking a partner for a large-scale UK-based trial of Propelair in a commercial or public building.

Garry Moore, Managing Director of Phoenix Product Development Ltd, says: “As properties across the country face the prospect of compulsory water metering and developers face tighter restrictions on water use in both residential and commercial buildings, the importance of water conservation technology becomes paramount.”

Phoenix believe that water conservation technology like Propelair offers a cost effective and more easily deployed solution to water shortages than major capital investment in new water supply facilities.

Moore adds: “The Water Research Centre estimates that even a modest uptake of the Propelair system could create a saving of 140 million litres of water daily, the same volume of water that Thames Water’s recently proposed desalination plant in East London could produce in a day.”