A water calculator has been launched in a move that will help plumbers and developers meet new efficiency targets.
Waterwise East developed the device to coincide with the rolling-out of new water-efficiency targets under the Building Regulations and the Code for Sustainable Homes.
The organisation worked with the Bathroom Manufacturers Association to design and develop the calculator - thought to be the first of its kind.
Developers looking for a helping hand establishing a property's water consumption are expected to be impressed by the device, which will allow them to find out the figure at the touch of a button. They will simply select their appliances from a drop-down menu and the machine will do the rest.
Methods for meeting targets are divided into two main approaches: Fittings and recycling.
With fittings, the inclusion of high-specification products - which can be expensive - can help meet the targets.
Alternatively, firms can bring in the use of recycling in a bid to achieve the water consumption targets of Code level 5 or 6.
Clare Watters, Waterwise East co-ordinator, said: "The water calculator allows users to select products from drop-down menus and auto-completes the rest of the calculation, enabling quick and easy specification without the hassle of gathering data from product manufacturers.
"The results can then be printed off to give to Building Control inspectors and any others involved in the assessment process."
Copyright Press Association 2010