The water-conscious family | WSP Skip to content
  • Who we are

    We exist to future proof our cities and environment.

    We change the landscape, helping societies thrive, and continually challenge the status quo, asking: “What if we can?”

    Read more
    Who we are
    • What We Stand For
    • Our Story
    • Corporate Responsibility
    • UK Leadership
    Corporate Responsibility
    • Communities
    • Corporate Governance
    • Diversity and Inclusion
    • Ethics and Integrity
    • Health and Safety
    • Sustainability
    • UK Policies
    Featured Content
    We value - Square

    Can we help societies thrive in a world we do not…

    We believe that for societies to thrive, we must all hold ourselves accountable for tomorrow. That…

  • What We Do

    We shape the communities of tomorrow and help society thrive.

    Our understanding of local, regional and national needs enables us to deliver solutions that better connect people with places, now and in the future.


    View All

    • Sectors
    • Services
    • Projects
    What We Do
    • Property and Buildings
    • Transport and Infrastructure
    • Environment
    • Water, Energy and Industry
    • Planning and Advisory
    Featured Content
    butterfly thn

    Protecting nature

    How can we safeguard our natural environment?

  • Insights

    Our experts offer compelling insights that provide new perspectives.

    Read inspiring articles that challenge the status quo by reframing current issues, sparking fresh ideas and conversations.

    View all
    Insights
    • Climate
    • Mobility
    • Places
    • Resources
    • Society
    • Technology
    Featured Content
    Emeka bnr

    Profiling our people – Emeka Okorocha, Technical…

    As our combined responsibility to design and build sustainable infrastructure is recognised and…

  • Careers

    Help us shape the future

    Join a collaborative team of experts that thrives on complex challenges and unconventional thinking.

    See more
    Careers
    • Early Career
    • Experienced Professionals
    • Why choose WSP
    • Job Opportunities
    Featured Content
    BNR_Careers_Why_Choose_WSP

    Why you should work for us

    Live a full life, enjoy the rewards you deserve and be part of a business that plans, manages and…

  • Who we are
    • What We Stand For
    • Our Story
    • Corporate Responsibility
      • Who we are
      • Accountable for Tomorrow
        • Communities
        • Corporate Governance
        • Diversity and Inclusion
        • Ethics and Integrity
        • Health and Safety
        • Sustainability
        • UK Policies
    • UK Leadership
  • What We Do
    • Property and Buildings
    • Transport and Infrastructure
    • Environment
    • Water, Energy and Industry
    • Planning and Advisory
  • Insights
    • Climate
    • Mobility
    • Places
    • Resources
    • Society
    • Technology
  • Careers
    • Early Career
    • Experienced Professionals
    • Why choose WSP
    • Job Opportunities
Back

We are locally dedicated with international scale.

United Kingdom - English

International

  • Global
    English - Français

Americas

  • Canada
    English - Français
  • Chile
    Español
  • Colombia
    Español
  • Mexico
    Español
  • Panama
    Español
  • Peru
    Español
  • United States
    English

Africa

  • South Africa
    English

Asia

  • China
    中文(简体) - English
  • Hong Kong
    English
  • India
    English
  • Malaysia
    English
  • Philippines
    English
  • Singapore
    English
  • South Korea
    한국어(대한민국) - English
  • Thailand
    English

Europe

  • Denmark
    Dansk
  • Finland
    Suomi
  • France
    Français
  • Germany
    Deutsch
  • Greenland
    Kalaallisut - English
  • Netherlands
    Nederlands
  • Norway
    Norsk
  • Poland
    Polski - English
  • Romania
    English
  • Spain
    Español
  • Sweden
    Svenska - English
  • Switzerland
    Deutsch - English
  • United Kingdom
    English

Middle East

  • Kuwait
    English
  • Oman
    English
  • Qatar
    English
  • Saudi Arabia
    English
  • United Arab Emirates
    English

Oceania

  • Australia
    English
  • New Zealand
    English
Worldwide Offices
    • Investors

      Discover our diverse business, financial results and strategic ambitions.

      We are committed to delivering sustainable value to our shareholders and exceptional professional services to our clients.

      Read more
      Investors
      • Corporate Governance
      • Press Releases
      • Reports & Filings
      • Stock Information
      • Shareholder Information
      • Presentations and Events
      Corporate Governance
      • Audit Committee
      • Board of Directors
      • Business Conduct Hotline
      • Constating Documents
      • Governance Documents
      • Governance Ethics and Compensation Committee
      • Mandates
      Reports & Filings
      • AIF
      • Annual
      • Information Circular
      • Quarterly
      • SEDAR Filings
      • Sustainability
      Stock Information
      • Analyst Coverage
      Shareholder Information
      • Acquisitions
      • Dividends
      • Drip
      • FAQ
      Featured Content
      Thn-Web-Q42020-Results

      WSP's Q4 and 2020 Results

      We released our 2020 fourth quarter and fiscal results on February 24, 2021 after market close.

    • Investors
      • Corporate Governance
        • Investors
        • Corporate Governance
          • Audit Committee
          • Board of Directors
          • Business Conduct Hotline
          • Constating Documents
          • Governance Documents
          • Governance Ethics and Compensation Committee
          • Mandates
      • Press Releases
      • Reports & Filings
        • Investors
        • REPORTS & FILINGS
          • AIF
          • Annual
          • Information Circular
          • Quarterly
          • SEDAR Filings
          • Sustainability
      • Stock Information
        • Investors
        • Stock Information
          • Analyst Coverage
      • Shareholder Information
        • Investors
        • Shareholder Information
          • Acquisitions
          • Dividends
          • Drip
          • FAQ
      • Presentations and Events
    • News

      Progress happens quickly.

      Stay up to date with our projects, news, events and more.

      News
      • Latest News
      • Press Releases
      Featured Content
      Zero carbon photo 1920 x 750

      WSP to provide UK Government with technical advice…

      WSP will support the design of CCUS work programme and will advise BEIS on how to…

    • Contact us

      We are dedicated to our local communities and driven by global talent.

      We solve problems for our clients and the communities we serve, meeting the needs of today and tomorrow’s challenges. Contact us to find out how we…


      Follow us

      Contact us
      • Send a Message
      • Offices
      Featured Content
      Going net zero wind turbine 563 x 220

      Solutions for a net zero carbon future

      With the UK committed to a Clean Growth Strategy and becoming the first major economy to commit to a…

    • Investors

      Discover our diverse business, financial results and strategic ambitions.

      We are committed to delivering sustainable value to our shareholders and exceptional professional services to our clients.

      Read more
      Investors
      • Corporate Governance
      • Press Releases
      • Reports & Filings
      • Stock Information
      • Shareholder Information
      • Presentations and Events
      Corporate Governance
      • Audit Committee
      • Board of Directors
      • Business Conduct Hotline
      • Constating Documents
      • Governance Documents
      • Governance Ethics and Compensation Committee
      • Mandates
      Reports & Filings
      • AIF
      • Annual
      • Information Circular
      • Quarterly
      • SEDAR Filings
      • Sustainability
      Stock Information
      • Analyst Coverage
      Shareholder Information
      • Acquisitions
      • Dividends
      • Drip
      • FAQ
      Featured Content
      Thn-Web-Q42020-Results

      WSP's Q4 and 2020 Results

      We released our 2020 fourth quarter and fiscal results on February 24, 2021 after market close.

    • Investors
      • Corporate Governance
        • Investors
        • Corporate Governance
          • Audit Committee
          • Board of Directors
          • Business Conduct Hotline
          • Constating Documents
          • Governance Documents
          • Governance Ethics and Compensation Committee
          • Mandates
      • Press Releases
      • Reports & Filings
        • Investors
        • REPORTS & FILINGS
          • AIF
          • Annual
          • Information Circular
          • Quarterly
          • SEDAR Filings
          • Sustainability
      • Stock Information
        • Investors
        • Stock Information
          • Analyst Coverage
      • Shareholder Information
        • Investors
        • Shareholder Information
          • Acquisitions
          • Dividends
          • Drip
          • FAQ
      • Presentations and Events
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Press Releases
    • Contact us
      • Send a Message
      • Offices
  1. home
  2. Insights
  3. The water-conscious family

The water-conscious family

The Harley family feel the city has become too crowded and, with climate change, too hot. So, parents Theo and Zadie decide to move, along with their children Maddox and Reese, to a rural village. Ubiquitous high-speed broadband and the couple’s freelance work patterns mean they are able to relocate fairly easily – if they can find the right house.

map marker United Kingdom
Reading Time : 4 minutes

Water sustainability issues have been high on the public agenda for years now and the family are keen for their new house to have a low water impact. At the same time, it needs to meet the needs of their lifestyle.

Water metrics

As Theo and Zadie search for potential homes online, the information packs accompanying each house tell them everything they need to know about its energy and water consumption and impact. These data have become key metrics for buyers and they study it carefully.

The data shows the Harley family that properties in the village draw their water supply from a nearby reservoir, supplemented by locally recycled water and water their local company trades with other regions to optimise cost and environmental benefit. The family know the reservoir well from the time they have already spent in the village. It provides a wildlife habitat and local amenity, hosting watersports and providing space for walking and cycling around its shore, while also bringing environmental and biodiversity benefits. This makes Zadie and Theo especially keen to ensure the house they buy helps safeguard this precious local resource.

Dream home

A development of new homes in the village catches the couple’s eye. The houses have all the latest water-efficient technologies and are connected to sustainable drainage systems with ponds that provide attractive and wildlife-rich green spaces. But there’s one problem: the houses are out of their budget. Zadie and Theo decide they will have to create their own dream home by renovating one of the village’s many older properties and bringing it up to the same standard as a new-build home.

There is plenty of information available to help the Harley family with their renovation project. The local water company, who partnered with the developer on the new houses Zadie and Theo looked at, is very active in informing people about how they can help. Reese’s secondary school and Maddox’s primary school include water issues in lessons, and the kids are very knowledgeable about smart water-efficient fittings and greywater recycling opportunities.

The family set about renovating their new home, installing systems including:

  • Optimum flow fittings for the taps, showers and toilets
  • Smart fittings and a smart meter enable them to track individual usage and the family compete to see who can be most water-efficient
  • A greywater recycling system that uses water from the shower and basin to flush the toilets
  • A heat exchanger that uses heat from wastewater to help warm their hot water supply (with ground source heat pumps supplying space heating)
  • Rainwater harvesting for washing their electric car, their bikes and their muddy dog; filling the paddling pool; and irrigating their vegetable garden, which is important to this family of vegetarians
  • Soakaways to allow any excess rainwater or greywater to percolate back into the soil rather than entering the sewer and increasing the load on the local treatment works, and the risk of flooding and pollution.

Water-conscious community

With the renovation complete, the family take an enormous amount of pride in their home. They can see a detailed breakdown of their data on their devices and can track exactly how much difference their efforts are making, which is great feedback.

Mum, Dad and the kids are also proud of being part of their village, which is aiming for special status as a water-conscious community. Data from the villagers’ smart meters is aggregated and compared with other similar areas. Because people have, together, taken steps to reduce their water usage, they are given credits they can trade with higher water users in return for rewards. The children already receive free swimming lessons from the water company and they have just heard that the village has earnt enough credit to pay for a school watersports trip.

The family knows it is making a positive difference to water sustainability, and that their efforts have made a positive difference to their own lives too.

Water Performance Tablet 900x514

In the future, we may place more emphasis on the water impact of our homes

1 / 3
Car Wash Editable-02

In the future, we may place more emphasis on the water impact of our homes

2 / 3
Lake 900x514-01

In the future, we may place more emphasis on the water impact of our homes

3 / 3
Previous Next
Read more about the Future of Water

More on this subject

freeports thn

March 2021

Integration and collaboration are key to freeport economic success

United Kingdom
Feature
Resources
thn-wp-alliance-contracting

February 2021

Leveraging Project Procurement and Delivery Approaches for Positive Outcomes

White Paper
Mobility , Places , Resources , COVID-19 , Resilience
timber thumbnail

February 2021

The best of all worlds: a hybrid approach to mass timber

United Kingdom
Feature
Climate , Resources
GB-amirsheikwarak-04022021-563x220

February 2021

How does a structural engineer eliminate carbon?

United Kingdom
Feature
Resilience , Resources , Technology
thn-what-else-Net-zero-better-normal

January 2021 | 11 minutes

What Else Can Net Zero Do For Us?

Blog
Resilience , Resources , Society , COVID-19
Prepare for flooding thn

January 2021

Prepare for flooding like you would any serious emergency

United Kingdom
Feature
Climate
Hydrogen hot air 563 x 220

January 2021 | 5 minutes

Hydrogen’s potential is not just hot air

United Kingdom
Blog
Climate , Resilience
GB-Aidan McLoughlin-17122020-563x220

December 2020

An hour in the life of a wind engineer

United Kingdom
Feature
Technology
GB-Luke Livermore-16122020-563x220 (2)

December 2020

An hour in the life of an interconnector design engineer

United Kingdom
Feature
Resilience , Technology
journey to zero carbon in freight and logistics thn

December 2020

The journey to zero carbon in freight and logistics

United Kingdom
Feature
COVID-19 , Climate , Resilience , Resources , Technology
GB-DamianMeehan-14122020-563x220 (2)

December 2020

An hour in the life of a development planner

United Kingdom
Blog
Technology , Mobility , Resilience
GB-JackHeslop-01122020-563x220 (1)

December 2020

An hour in the life of a coastal engineer

United Kingdom
Blog
Resilience , Places

Share this page

  • Share on Facebook - Warning, this link will open a new tab.
  • Share on Linkedin - Warning, this link will open a new tab.
  • Share on Twitter - Warning, this link will open a new tab.
  • Share on Skype - Warning, this link will open your Skype application.


Related themes and tags

  • Resources (52)

  • Technology (154)


  • Energy (69)
  • Flooding (25)
  • Future Ready (155)
  • Water (57)
  •  
  •   Page will open in a new tab
  •   Page will open in a new tab
  •   Page will open in a new tab
  •   Page will open in a new tab
  • Who We Are
  • What We Stand For
  • Our Story
  • Future Ready
  • UK Leadership
  • Our Offices
  • What We Do
  • Sectors
  • Services
  • Projects
  • Insights
  • Climate
  • Mobility
  • Places
  • Society
  • Resources
  • Technology
  • Careers
  • Job Opportunities
  • Spontaneous Application
  • Corporate
  • Sustainability
  • Health and Safety
  • Investors
  • Business Conduct Hotline
  • News
  • Corporate Governance
  • Ethics and Integrity
    ©2021 WSP
    • The WSP Logo
    • Privacy Notice
    • Anti-Spam Commitment
    • WSP Slavery Prevention Policy
    • UK Corporate Governance Statement
    • UK Gender Pay Report
    • UK Modern Slavery Statement
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Use
    ©2021 WSP

    Exiting our Website

    You are about to leave WSP.com and are being redirected to a job opportunity at Louis Berger, which has been recently acquired by WSP in the US.