Water Watcher
We identified the problem of water wastage and flooding through taps being left running. According to Waterwise, leaving the tap running while brushing your teeth wastes 12 litres of water, and 1 in 3 people in the UK have admitted to doing this! The energy used to process a litre of clean water is the same as watching TV for 4 hours! Our innovation is a small and inexpensive way of reminding users to turn the tap off; especially helpful to forgetful people such as young children, and people with memory problems such as dementia or dyslexia. Called Water Watcher, this user-friendly item simply straps onto the faucet of any tap. It contains a small accurate vibration sensor, and is encased in silicone to make it adjustable and waterproof. It connects via Bluetooth to an alarm which can be hidden from sight. We made a prototype of this innovation using the BBC micro:bit and a small speaker for the alarm. We envisage the final product being small, compact and easy to use: with two settings for baths or sinks.
You can see what inspired the innovative idea as well as how it all works by watching the videos below. In addition, you can see sample code and feedback from industry specialists.
You can see what inspired the innovative idea as well as how it all works by watching the videos below. In addition, you can see sample code and feedback from industry specialists.
What inspired the Water Watcher idea?
How does Water Watcher work?
What would the final Water Watcher
product look like?
How is the Water Watcher
programmed?
When the Water Watcher is first turned on, it will calibrate its sensitivity levels to the tap. The program then continually checks the vibration levels using the accelerometer. If the tap is running, a timed countdown will begin. As soon as the tap is turned off the timer will reset, but if the countdown finishes then the device will beep at the user to remind it to turn the tap off. Our prototype uses the bbc:microbit and is programmed in a language called Python.
What do industry experts think of the
Water Watcher?
ALZHEIMER"S SOCIETY
At Alzheimer’s Society we are always delighted when people unite together to support the needs of people affected by dementia and this project certainly does this. It’s a simple idea that could offer peace of mind and supportindependence for people with dementia, as it may help to reduce the likelihood of the taps being left on and the problems that can cause such as flooding or extortionate water bills. It may also offer reassurance to those supporting the person with dementia.
It sounds as if it would be reasonably priced, and although there are similar products available (e.g. magiplug) they don’t work in quite the same way and it’s always great for people to have choice.
We support any idea that could improve the lives of the 850,000 people currently living with dementia and wish this project the best of luck and hope to see it in the shops soon.
The guys have created a very smart product, easy to set up and use and with a sleek design that would look good on every tap. Its simplicity and affordability will make it possible to be present in every household, protecting families from the risk of flooding and other potential damages. The fact that one of the designers is dyslexic proves how important is to encourage the development of a wide range of skills at all ages, and how creativity and an alternative point of view will set any team for success.
This a really innovative product that could potentially be useful to a huge number of homes. The Mayor fully supports the cause, reducing water use is an important priority for the Mayor to ensure London has a secure supply of water now and in the future.
THAMES WATER
At Thames Water, we estimate that 20% of our customers leave the tap running while brushing their teeth. Each year, this wastes enough water to supply all our household customers for 2 months.
Innovations such as the Water Watcher have the potential to reduce wastage and increase the resilience of water resources to the effects of climate change.
It’s very adaptable and easy to use.
It’s simple little things like this that just make people’s lives a little easier.
At Thames Water, we estimate that 20% of our customers leave the tap running while brushing their teeth. Each year, this wastes enough water to supply all our household customers for 2 months.
Innovations such as the Water Watcher have the potential to reduce wastage and increase the resilience of water resources to the effects of climate change.
It’s very adaptable and easy to use.
It’s simple little things like this that just make people’s lives a little easier.
SAVE WATER SAVE MONEY
I really like this. I can actually see it is a very simple device.
You have proven this detects flow of water and connects to an alarm. You have also addressed concerns of waterproofing, simple fixings and least number of components.
It’s a very exciting concept and we are exploring how to take it further.
I really like this. I can actually see it is a very simple device.
You have proven this detects flow of water and connects to an alarm. You have also addressed concerns of waterproofing, simple fixings and least number of components.
It’s a very exciting concept and we are exploring how to take it further.
SAGA INSURANCE
Any product that might be able to help reduce the number of claims for water damage inside the home is a great thing for insurers. Water damage has long been one of the main causes of home insurance claims with insurers paying out around £2.5million a day for escape of water claims.
Any product that might be able to help reduce the number of claims for water damage inside the home is a great thing for insurers. Water damage has long been one of the main causes of home insurance claims with insurers paying out around £2.5million a day for escape of water claims.
Escape of water is the most common property damage claim we deal with. This product is an easy way to help mitigate against this - reducing claim frequency and/or severity ultimately leads to a reduction in the insurance premium charged.
WATERWISE
It’s a great water saving innovation!
It’s a great water saving innovation!
What do potential customers think of
the Water Watcher ?
In an online survey of 100 people
www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BFMZH3W
97% said they understood the product concept
73% said they would either purchase the product for themselves or someone else
Many commented that they would want to buy it for an elderly relative or friend even though there was no information on the page to suggest this as a potential market.