The outcome of the survey in November/December was very encouraging.  We had responses from 37 households, with 4 customers who had only recently moved in declining to take part.  This represented approximately 50% uptake. 

Of the 37 respondents, 26 were in the control group (those who didn't have the water efficient additions) the other 11 being in the water efficient, standard tariff group.

Headline results:

Households surveyed were predominantly 2 adults

Most in the efficiency group had retained all the goods, around 35% had installed a dishwasher

40% who had added goods (eg dishwasher) took water efficiency into consideration when buying the product

In the water efficient group 90% were pleased with the performance of the equipment (in most cases where they were not satisfied it was for other reasons, such as blocked drains)

75% had not changed their water use habits

82% of those in the water efficient group thought their home was water efficient, but 65% in the control group also thought their home was water efficient

…however, 73% in the control group thought they use the average amount of water, whilst 82% in the control group thought they used less than average

92% in the control group felt they used water sensibly compared to 100% in the water efficient group – in the water efficient group 75% felt their new home was more water efficient because of the products, whilst 25% felt it was because of their change in attitude.

Summary

The questionnaire results appear to confirm that the project has got off to a positive start, with a good level of support from the customers. 

Although we continue to encourage our customers to be careful with their use of water, it is pleasing to see that most did not feel that they were having to change their habits with the water efficient features.

The next key point will be the introduction of the seasonal tariff – there should be up to 25 customers on the tariff before the peak period starts in May.  We will be writing to these customers in due course to remind them of the tariff, or to introduce it to the new householders. 

(click here for the page detailing the questionnaire)