Across the world, various cultures have embraced different methods of personal hygiene after using the toilet. From bidets in Europe to handheld sprays in parts of Asia and the Middle East, alternatives to toilet paper are widespread. More recently, sustainability concerns have also driven interest in reducing toilet paper usage, given the environmental cost of production, which includes excessive water consumption and deforestation.
However, in the UK, the transition to alternative cleansing methods has been hindered by strict water regulations, specifically regarding backflow prevention. While many products on the market claim to offer bidet-style washing solutions, the vast majority do not meet the UK Water Regulations. This means that despite their widespread domestic use, they pose a potential risk of contaminating potable water supplies. You just need to take the panel off the wall to see that these applications are connected to the mains, which is bad news in the long run – you are probably brushing your teeth with the same water servicing the unit on the toilet in these situations. Shocking, right?!
The Issue of Backflow Compliance
Backflow occurs when water flows in the opposite direction, potentially carrying contaminants into the main supply. To prevent this, the UK Water Regulations impose strict requirements on any device connected to the mains supply that could introduce non-potable water into the system. Unfortunately, most of these types of cleaning products available in the UK do not comply with these regulations.
This issue was highlighted recently on Dragon’s Den when two entrepreneurs pitched a WC attachment that converts a toilet into a bidet. The product failed to secure investment…not due to regulatory concerns, but because the investors questioned its market potential, citing existing Amazon products as competition. However, the real issue was overlooked: none of the products available on the market today are fully compliant with UK water regulations.
You can watch the full Dragon’s Den pitch at: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0027nx0/dragons-den-series-22-episode-5
The Fully Compliant Solution
Arrow Valves has successfully developed the BTHW Ablution Unit, the only fully compliant product of its kind available to the domestic market. Contrary to common misconceptions, UK water regulations apply to all installations, including those in private homes. The BTHW unit solves the critical compliance issue, ensuring safe and hygienic ablution while meeting UK water safety standards.
Here’s the info on the solution:
bthwdatasheet.pdf
And operating and maintenance is as easy as this:
bthwablutionommanual-2020.pdf
A Sustainable Future
Interestingly, many modern bidet-style solutions are now being marketed not for religious or hygiene reasons, but for their environmental benefits. Toilet paper production consumes vast amounts of water and contributes to deforestation, while also being a major cause of blocked drains. A compliant washing solution like the Arrow Valves BTHW unit addresses all these concerns, offering a sustainable, safe, and effective alternative.
What’s Next?
At Hurlstone Associates, we are continuously exploring innovative ways to bring safe and compliant water solutions to the UK market. We’re already working on ideas to ensure backflow compliance in new products, including a potential Category 5 tap range. These ideas will be discussed further at our upcoming breakfast meeting, and we welcome any input from those interested in shaping the future of sustainable ablution solutions.
If you’d like to discuss this in more detail, feel free to reach out, we’d be happy to chat further!
