Designer advice: Top tips for monitoring and reducing water in your bathroom

18 Sept

Bathrooms are one of the most water-intensive spaces in any home. From daily showers to long baths and running taps, it’s easy for consumption to add up. From thoughtful design choices, alongside the right products, here Emily, Senior Designer from *Ripples Walton-on-Thames, talks through some ideas to help you monitor and reduce water usage, without losing the sense of luxury that makes a bathroom feel special.*

Start with your fittings

Modern bathroom fittings have come a long way in terms of water efficiency. Choosing the right products at the design stage can make a big difference:

Dual-flush WCs use less water per flush and are almost standard in today’s bathrooms.
Aerated taps mix air with water, giving the same flow sensation while using far less.
Eco-mode showers offer a full spa-like experience but with reduced flow rates, so comfort is never compromised.

When planning a new bathroom, it’s worth asking your designer about fittings that balance efficiency with performance, it’s often the unseen technology that makes the biggest impact.

Design with water in mind

The layout of a bathroom can also influence how much water is used day to day. For example, positioning the shower close to the hot water source reduces “warm-up” waste. Likewise, choosing a shower enclosure instead of a large bath (or keeping the bath slightly more compact) can reduce the temptation to fill it daily.

"The right fittings can make a huge difference. With options like aerated taps and eco showers, it’s possible to enjoy the same sense of luxury while using far less water."

-Ripples Walton-on-Thames Designer, Emily

Make small but effective changes

Even without a full redesign, there are plenty of simple updates that can make a difference:

Flow restrictors can be fitted to existing taps and showers for instant savings.
Shower timers help track time spent under the water.
Replacing worn washers stops dripping taps, which can waste litres every day.
Dual-flush conversion kits can upgrade older WC cisterns.

Monitor your usage

Smart water meters are becoming more accessible, giving real-time data on consumption. For those without, monthly meter readings provide a good benchmark to see if changes are making an impact.

Sustainability doesn’t mean compromise. With the right fittings, considered layout and a few conscious habits, any bathroom can feel like a sanctuary while using water more responsibly. Many of today’s most innovative products prove that luxury and efficiency can work hand in hand. Whether planning a complete redesign or making small updates, choosing intelligent solutions helps to monitor and reduce water usage, while still enjoying every moment of the bathroom ritual.