As another spell of exceptionally hot weather places strain on water resources across the UK, global water technology leader DAB Pumps is urging the industry to look beyond simple conservation measures. While public discourse rightly focuses on water scarcity, reservoir levels, and hosepipe bans, a critical piece of the puzzle is frequently overlooked: the internal infrastructure responsible for moving water efficiently around our buildings.
The Overlooked Infrastructure
From residential developments and commercial towers to schools, hospitals, and public facilities, building water systems are being pushed to their limits. Changing usage patterns, sudden spikes in peak demand, and growing expectations around sustainability are testing the resilience of these networks.
According to Adam Ferneyhough, Country Director for the UK & Ireland at DAB Pumps, hotter summers are highlighting the urgent need for a more considered, holistic approach to water system design and operation.
The Water-Energy Nexus
“Every time temperatures rise, the conversation quite rightly turns to water scarcity and reducing consumption,” Ferneyhough explains. “What receives far less attention is the infrastructure inside our buildings that keeps water moving reliably and efficiently where it is needed.”
He notes that heatwaves don’t just pressure external water supplies; they expose inefficient or poorly specified internal distribution systems. When demand spikes, these outdated systems struggle, leading to higher energy consumption, reduced performance, and inflated operational costs.
Crucially, water and energy efficiency are inextricably linked. Every litre of water moved through a building requires energy somewhere in the process. As water becomes an increasingly valuable resource, the industry must focus not only on using less of it but also on moving it more intelligently.
Designing for Resilience and Adaptability
The buildings that will perform best in the coming years are those designed from the ground up with efficiency, resilience, and adaptability in mind. With hotter summers becoming the new normal, this is no longer a future consideration—it is a challenge the industry is facing right now.
DAB Pumps UK is encouraging building services professionals, engineers, and facility managers to view water efficiency as a whole-system challenge. This means rethinking how water is stored, managed, and distributed throughout the built environment. By leveraging smart technologies—such as variable speed booster sets, intelligent pressure management, and demand-responsive controls—facilities can meet peak summer demands without wasting energy or compromising water pressure.
Looking Ahead
As extreme weather events become more frequent, the synergy between water conservation and energy efficiency will define the next generation of sustainable buildings. By upgrading to smarter, more resilient water distribution systems, we can ensure that our built environment remains comfortable, functional, and sustainable, even when the mercury rises.