Though naturally occurring, droughts have severe impacts on water availability and resource costs, especially in the eastern region.
With climate change making droughts and water shortages more frequent, it’s becoming increasingly important to manage water resources efficiently. The Environment Agency reported water levels were at just 49% last September.
One essential tool that could help fight on the front lines of water conservation during droughts, is a simple pressure-reducing valve (PRV). We’ve partnered with Albion for over 30 years and supply their PRV’s to our customers here in Norfolk. In this blog post, we will explore how their PRVs can become the unsung heroes in drought mitigation - especially for agricultural use, helping navigate water scarcity and preserve this precious resource.
Understanding pressure-reducing valves (PRVs)
Pressure-reducing valves are hydraulic control devices designed to maintain or adjust manageable water pressure within water distribution systems. These valves are strategically placed at various points in the water network to reduce the water pressure to an efficient level before it reaches consumers' taps. An entire building or site outfitted with these valves could go a long way in cutting costs and improving efficiency.
Minimising water loss
During droughts and water shortages, conservation is essential. One of the key advantages of PRVs is their ability to minimise water loss within distribution networks. Incorrect pressure can cause leaks and bursts in ageing pipes, leading to significant water wastage. By reducing pressure to an optimal level, PRVs help prevent these leaks and extend the lifespan of the water infrastructure.
PRVs also play a vital role in ensuring that available water is distributed evenly to all consumers. By controlling pressure, these valves prevent the uneven flow of water, guaranteeing that each household and business receives an adequate supply.
With the potential that a site’s water usage could contribute to its Energy Performance Certificate in the future, both domestic and commercial buildings could benefit from the reduction of pressure across the system. Water utilities can optimise their budgets and allocate resources more effectively by reducing water loss, extending the life of water infrastructure, and minimising emergency repairs during droughts.
Supporting agricultural water use
Agriculture is one of the sectors most often affected by droughts and water shortages in East Anglia. Farmers face the challenge of irrigating their crops while managing water resources responsibly.
PRVs can be employed in agricultural settings to optimise irrigation systems. By regulating water pressure, PRVs ensure that water is delivered precisely where and when it is needed, avoiding over-irrigation, and reducing water wastage.
Albion’s PRVs
Albion Valves has helped engineers and contractors deliver optimised water-based systems for over 40 years. They’re continually developing a range of products and their in-house expertise enables Albion to supply a complete, quality valve solution alongside excellent cradle-to-grave technical support and service for the industry.
An established partnership
At Lamberts we’re proud to have partnered with Albion for the past 30 years. We stand by their products as a great investment and believe that PRVs could be a great investment in the fight against water shortages in the region. To see all of their products that we stock, you can visit our online catalogue.
By utilising this technology from Albion, our clients can better navigate through droughts and ensure a sustainable water future for generations to come. As we face the challenges posed by climate change, PRVs stand as unsung heroes in preserving our most precious resource – water.