Cutting the cost of spending a penny

One of the UK's leading leisure centres is saving thousands of pounds in water charges by reducing the cost of spending a penny.

Cardiff International Pool which attracts more than 700,000 visitors a year is among the first in the UK to use a simple new invention by Birmingham based hygiene and cleaning specialists Chemex International.

Chemex are supplying the leisure centre with biological cleaning devices which drop into gents urinals and drastically reduce water usage. In the first six months of usage the centre has used 2,507 less units of water, which equates to a saving of £3,098 or the equivalent of more than £6,000 a year.

Even the most efficient urinals use 1,000 litres of water a week which costs around £150 a year but the majority are poorly set up increasing this cost to £500 a year. Chemex have developed a simple toilet block that uses natural bacteria and enzymes to keep urinals smell free and blockage free eliminating the need for flushing. 

They are also completely 'green' as they harness nature's technology rather than traditional harsh, carbon intensive chemicals.

General Manager of Cardiff International Pool, John de Maid said: "To shave £6,000 a year off one utility bill is pretty impressive. It is saving money as well as helping the environment by reducing demand for water."

The pool is operated on behalf of Cardiff City Council by Parkwood Leisure - one of the UK's leading leisure management companies with a portfolio of more than 80 facilities.
Mr de Maid said: "As a company we are constantly looking at providing best value for our clients and this device from Chemex has provided a simple way to save money without reducing service levels.

"All venues providing toilet facilities for large numbers of people should consider this device especially in the current difficult economic climate."

The device has also attracted the attention of professional football clubs and is currently in use at Premier League club Stoke City's Britannia Stadium.

Chemex Scientific Director Sean Derrig said in addition to sporting and leisure venues, the device was also saving money for hotels, restaurants, pubs, schools and colleges.
"Its not just big businesses that can benefit but smaller ones too. The whole thing works through natural enzymes and there is no need for  any plumbing changes simply drop the block and cage into the urinal and start saving water and money." 
www.chemexuk.com