How water tank level sensors can help conserve water

At Smart Water, we are passionate about providing a world-class product that can lay claim to be the best water tank management solution available. Whilst the primary purpose of our water tank level sensor products is to help homeowners and businesses that rely on tank water to manage their water levels effectively, our products go beyond this, also helping people to conserve water.

As the population continues to boom, both here in New Zealand and throughout the world, along with the effects of climate change, water scarcity is becoming an increasingly critical issue. Whilst the past couple of years in New Zealand, particularly in Auckland, have seen water levels in our dams returning to normal levels following drought conditions in 2020, it is difficult to predict when the next dry spell when occur.

Just this year (2023), parts of the South Island of New Zealand were placed under water restrictions through a particularly dry summer. Those with water tanks were able to continue to use the water they had collected to water gardens, wash cars, and in some cases, use the water they collect for potable purposes such as cooking, drinking, and bathing.

Water shortages are not unusual in other parts of the world as well. Dry summer conditions often lead to restrictions being placed on water usage in countries such as the USA, the UK, Australia, and parts of Europe.

Water conservation is becoming an increasingly important issue and water tanks are helping to form part of an environmental ecosystem that is helping to both reduce the reliance on mains water as well as protecting from rainwater runoff which has a potentially damaging impact on the environment.

Water tank level sensors can help to conserve water, helping to prevent overfilling, reduce wastewater, and promote more efficient water usage.

What are water tank level sensors?

Water tank level sensors, or water tank level indicators as they are sometimes known, tell you how much water is in your tank. Systems like Smart Water’s SW900 series also enable you to monitor water usage and provide you with accurate forecasts about the amount of water left in your tank.

Using this data, the system can then predict how many days the water in your tank will last based on current consumption levels, helping you to plan ahead.

Our system is fully wireless and consists of a tank sender that transmits water level data from additional tanks to your Smart Level WiFi LCD Keypad or WiFi Gateway, quickly and easily. It simplifies and brings precision to extensive and complex water management systems, giving you the ability to monitor, analyse and utilise your water resources proactively and efficiently.

The tank sender works in conjunction with our water tank sensors which are precisely engineered to operate at the core of your tank water management system. Accurate monitoring of your water tank levels is essential to ensuring your water resources are managed appropriately and effectively throughout the year. Our water tank level sensors are designed with this in mind offering reliable performance, continuous use, and longevity in a wide range of diverse environments.

You can learn more about water tank level indicators in an earlier post.

How water tank level sensors can be used to conserve water

Whilst the primary goal of a water tank level indicator is to let you know how much water you have in your tank, they can also be used to conserve water, both at home and in industrial environments. Here are some of the ways a water tank level sensor can help to conserve water:

Prevent overfilling

Overfilling a water tank is a common problem that can lead to water waste and damage to the tank or the surrounding area.

With water tank level sensors, you can avoid this problem by setting a maximum water level threshold. When the water level reaches this threshold, the sensor will trigger an alarm, notifying the user that the tank is full and needs to be emptied or that the water supply should be shut off.

This prevents overfilling, reducing water waste and preventing potential damage to the tank or the surrounding area.

Reducing water waste

Water waste is a significant problem, both for individuals and businesses. It not only leads to higher water bills but also contributes to water scarcity.

Water tank level sensors can help reduce water waste by providing real-time data about the water level in the tank. This information can be used to identify leaks or other problems in the water supply system, such as faulty valves or pipes.

Once the problem is identified, it can be fixed, preventing further water waste, and reducing the amount of water used.

Promoting more efficient water usage

Water tank level sensors can also help promote more efficient water usage by providing users with information about their water consumption habits.

By monitoring the water level in the tank, users can determine how much water they are using and adjust their water usage accordingly. For example, if the water level in the tank is decreasing rapidly, it may indicate that the user is using too much water or that there is a leak in the system.

With this information, the user can take steps to reduce their water usage, such as fixing the leak or using water more efficiently.

There are many ways for homeowners and businesses to use water more efficiently, however, sometimes it is not until there has been a trigger alerting them to excessive water consumption that they realise that steps need to be taken.

Once water consumption patterns have been identified, it could be an opportunity for homeowners or businesses to implement water conservation measures, such as installing low-flow showerheads or fixing leaks in taps.

How can businesses conserve more water?

Water tank level sensors are a great way to identify excessive water consumption, however, steps will still need to be taken by businesses (and homeowners) to reduce the amount of water they are consuming. Here are some potential ways to reduce water usage:

Conduct a water audit: A water audit involves examining the water consumption patterns of the business and identifying areas where water is being wasted. If you are using water tanks, water tank level sensors will form part of this audit, helping businesses to understand where they can reduce water usage and implement more efficient water management practices.
Fix leaks: Leaks can be a significant source of water waste. By fixing leaks promptly, businesses can conserve water and save money on water bills. Regular maintenance and inspection of pipes, fixtures, and equipment can help identify and fix leaks before they become significant issues.
Install low-flow fixtures: Low-flow taps, showerheads, and toilets can significantly reduce water usage without compromising on functionality. Installing these fixtures can help businesses save water and reduce water bills.
Recycle water: Depending on the type of business, there may be opportunities to recycle water for non-potable uses, such as irrigation or industrial processes. This can help reduce the amount of freshwater needed for these purposes.
Use water-efficient equipment: Water-efficient equipment, such as dishwashers and washing machines, can help businesses save water and reduce water bills. When purchasing new equipment, businesses should look for products with the relevant water efficiency label. Here in New Zealand, the Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) applies to products including washing machines, dishwashers, lavatories, showers, taps, and urinals. Other systems are in place in other countries around the world to help to identify water-efficient products.
Implement water management strategies: Businesses can implement water management strategies to optimise their water usage. This can include practices such as rainwater harvesting, which involves collecting rainwater for non-potable uses, or greywater recycling, which involves using wastewater from sinks, showers, and washing machines for irrigation or other non-potable uses. Whilst we have focused on the way water tank level sensors can be used to promote water conservation, if your business is not already using water tanks, this can be the first step to improving water conservation.
Educate employees: Educating employees about water conservation can help to promote a culture of water efficiency within the business. This can include simple measures such as turning off taps when not in use or reporting leaks promptly.

Summary

Water tank level sensors are a great way to monitor your water consumption as well as keep on top of the amount of water left in your tank.

By understanding your water consumption levels, it makes it easier to understand whether there are steps you can take to conserve water and monitor those results moving forward.

If you want to accurately measure the level of water in your water tank, talk to the team today. With accurate water level readings, average water consumption data and accurate predictions about future usage, the Smart Water system will help you to manage your water tank levels, helping you to conserve water.