Household water use is a growing concern across Europe and the UK. The average person uses approximately 150 litres of water per day, and taps account for a significant portion of that total. Choosing water-efficient fixtures is one of the most straightforward ways to reduce consumption — and modern water-saving taps have improved to the point where reduced flow is virtually imperceptible in everyday use.
How Water-Saving Taps Work
Standard taps typically deliver water at a flow rate of 12–15 litres per minute. Water-saving taps use one of two mechanisms to reduce this:
- Flow restrictors — A small insert in the tap body that limits the volume of water passing through. Simple, effective, and retrofittable on many existing taps.
- Aerators — A mesh screen fitted at the spout that mixes air into the water stream, maintaining pressure feel while reducing actual flow volume by up to 50%. This is the most common approach in modern eco-taps.
The result is a tap that feels similarly pressured to use but delivers significantly less water — typically 4–8 litres per minute rather than 12–15.
WRAS Approval and Water Efficiency
In the UK, WRAS approval (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) is the standard for tap safety and water system compatibility. All WRAS-approved taps meet regulatory standards for use with drinking water, and many also meet or exceed water efficiency guidelines.
All Cortenvale taps carry WRAS approval and are designed with efficient ceramic disc cartridges that minimise dripping — a dripping tap wastes up to 5,500 litres of water per year.
Ceramic Disc Cartridges: The Biggest Single Impact
The single most impactful feature for water efficiency is a high-quality ceramic disc cartridge. Unlike older rubber washer mechanisms that wear and drip over time, ceramic discs maintain a precision seal for the lifetime of the tap. A tap that doesn’t drip saves thousands of litres annually — often more than any flow reduction feature.
Choosing Water-Efficient Taps Without Compromising Design
The eco tap market has expanded significantly. Premium designs are now available with built-in aerators across a full range of finishes and styles. You no longer have to choose between sustainability and aesthetics.
Key features to look for:
- Ceramic disc cartridge — drip-free for life
- Built-in aerator — reduces flow without pressure loss
- WRAS approval — confirms regulatory compliance
- Solid brass construction — built to last decades, not years
The Longevity Argument
Perhaps the most overlooked aspect of eco-conscious tap buying is longevity. A cheap tap made from zinc alloy that lasts 3–5 years has a significantly higher environmental footprint than a solid brass tap that lasts 20+ years, even if the cheaper tap has a lower flow rate. The manufacturing, packaging, and disposal of replaced fixtures adds up.
Investing in quality materials is as much an environmental decision as choosing a low-flow rate.
Cortenvale and Water Efficiency
Every Cortenvale tap is built from solid brass — the most durable and recyclable material used in tap manufacture. All models use ceramic disc cartridges and carry WRAS approval. Designed to last a generation, not a decade.
Browse the full range at cortenvale.com.