The Dwr Uisce project has launched Citizen Science project as a call to action for householders to take climate action through water -energy efficiency at home.
The main aim for this project is to improve our understanding of water-related energy use in Irish homes and the most effective means of improving the efficiency of household water and energy use.
The project consists of two parts.
The first part of the project, a survey on the perception of household water-energy use is now open until 31 October 2021.
The survey is open to all households in County Wexford and is in partnership with Wexford County Council. Find out how Wexford County Council came on board to help promote and support this Citizen Science Project here
The survey should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete.
The survey is composed of 4 sections:
1.General household water and energy consumption
2. Water use in the bathroom
3. Water use in the kitchen
4. Outdoor water use
The data collated will help us to understand the general perception of water use and water-related energy use.
The results are then compared to European averages and suggestions will be provided to improve the water-related energy efficiency.
The second part of the study will consist of a longer monitoring study during which participants will be asked to record their water use for a defined period of time. The main aim of this is to develop a baseline of current household water use and water-related energy use which will help in quantifying the potential of energy efficiency and emissions reductions from water use in Irish households. We will use findings from this to develop up to date base practise guidelines for climate action from household water use efficiency.
The survey can be accessed here.
Why take part?
We need your help: we will not be able to have a comprehensive understanding of water use and water use behaviours in households without your participation.
We hope that you can also benefit from the study as well! A lot of our every day environmental contribution to climate change is caused by routine actions that we take without thinking. So, why not to spend 15 minutes to reflect on how you use water and what your water use habits and behaviours mean in terms of energy use, emissions, and costs? You may discover that by simply changing some of your habits you can greatly reduce your water and carbon footprint, as well as your energy bills. Or you might find out you are already a champion and decide to do even more! And finally you will get a chance to win some fantastic prizes!
Dwr Uisce is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Ireland Wales Co-operation programme 2014-2020.
Dwr Uisce stands for 'Distributing our Water Resources: Utilising Integrated, Smart and low-Carbon Energy'. We are a research team made up of academic and research staff from Trinity College Dublin in Ireland and Bangor University in Wales. The team has extensive experience in energy technology, environmental impact assessments, climate change and business collaboration. The project is supported through the Ireland-Wales Co-operation Programme 2014-2020.
Contact information
Dr. Aisha Bello-Dambatta
Bangor University
Email: a.bellodambatta@bangor.ac.uk
Dr. Roberta Bellini
Trinity College Dublin
Email: bellinir@tcd.ie