Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has submitted a planning application for a new Travel Hub in Tyldesley to help more people access the Bee Network and boost the numbers of people using public transport by providing improved park and ride facilities. The proposed new Travel Hub will create 99 additional
A trailblazing crane operator – the first woman to qualify in the UK – took centre stage at the latest Women in Construction Anglia Lunch this week. The sold-out event at Suffolk New College in Ipswich, on Wednesday April 30, was attended by almost 100 people and showcased the vast
Women continue to be very underrepresented in council maintenance roles across the UK, with only three metropolitan district councils employing more women than men in these types of jobs. This is according to a freedom of information (FOI) request made by builder’s merchant Travis Perkins, which also revealed that the
By Thomas Roche, Secretary of Business Sprinkler Alliance A new Fire Safety: Property Protection report, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG), explores the state of property protection in fire safety regulations and examines international approaches to safeguarding buildings from fire damage. While the findings highlight
The Association for Project Safety (APS) has appointed Sofie Hooper as Deputy CEO. She joins APS from her role as Head of Policy and Research at the 11,500-strong global membership body the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM). Sofie Hooper has spent much of her career as a Public
Wallace Whittle, the ESG, sustainability and MEP consultancy, has announced three new hires to support a growth surge across its UK project base. The business, which has nine offices throughout the UK, has been working on projects including the £1bn all-electric University Hospital Monklands, the mixed-use Dyecoats destination project in Leeds
When it comes to building strong structures, steel and concrete have always been the go-to materials. But what if you could achieve the same strength and durability with less weight? Thanks to new advancements in construction materials, that’s what’s happening. Lightweight building materials are making waves in construction, offering benefits
Sustainability, energy efficiency, and long-term resilience are at the top of the agenda for many homes today. That’s why many homeowners are turning to upgrades that can take their home’s functionality and reliability to the next level. One such upgrade that may not receive the attention it deserves is well
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has submitted a planning application for a new Travel Hub in Tyldesley to help more people access the Bee Network and boost the numbers of people using public transport by providing improved park and ride facilities. The proposed new Travel Hub will create 99 additional parking spaces – including electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and accessible spaces – and will be built on Astley Street, south of the Leigh Guided Busway to meet increased demand for spaces at the existing park and ride nearby. Improved pedestrian access to the guided busway will also be provided as part of the plans alongside new street lighting and CCTV to help people feel safer when using the site at all times of day. The existing Astley Street Park and Ride – which provides 46 spaces and three disabled bays – will also be given a new designated pick up and drop off area, two extra accessible car parking spaces, covered cycle parking, delivery lockers, and a new office for staff working on the Guided Busway. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Park and Rides play a vital role within the Bee Network by encouraging more people to use our integrated public transport system, while also reducing congestion on our roads and improving air quality. “The success of the Leigh Guided Busway, including the trial of night buses, has seen demand for parking increase at Tyldesley Park and Ride. This expansion will improve access to bus services and provide the capacity needed to encourage more people to travel more sustainably. We listened to a strong call from the community on this, they asked and we have responded.” In total 148 car parking spaces would be provided at the proposed Travel Hub, including accessible bays and EV charging parking spaces. Following planning approval, work is expected to start on site in early 2026 and complete by the summer. Jo Platt, MP for Leigh and Atherton, said: “It’s fantastic to see things progress to the next stage with the Tyldesley Park and Ride and the Travel Hub. “With more than three times the current parking capacity, this new provision will improve access to public transport and help to alleviate the existing parking pressures in Tyldesley town centre. “Better connectivity is key to reducing congestion on our roads, supporting local growth and encouraging more people to use public transport. I look forward to seeing work begin in early 2026.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A trailblazing crane operator – the first woman to qualify in the UK – took centre stage at the latest Women in Construction Anglia Lunch this week. The sold-out event at Suffolk New College in Ipswich, on Wednesday April 30, was attended by almost 100 people and showcased the vast diversity of roles in the construction sector, encouraging more women to join the profession. Guests heard from keynote speaker Katie Kelleher, the first woman in the UK to complete a Lifting Technician Apprenticeship, who later worked on some of the biggest projects in the UK – including Crossrail and Tideway in London. Katie talked about some of the barriers she had faced in entering the sector, including backlash she has faced online and on social media, and how she overcame them. She said: “I loved today’s event, I think it was really great. It was a full room and everyone was positive, really supportive. “I think events like this are so important, showcasing what we do in this industry. “There was a really nice mix of students and people already in this sector, which was a really nice blend. If any students need some more information, everyone is there for them.” She added: “If you are a woman considering entering the sector, I would say go for it. “I never thought I would work in the industry but I absolutely love it. There’s plenty of scope, plenty of different jobs – so just go for it.” Women in Construction Anglia (WICA) was launched October 2024 and has already made a big impact in the sector, providing events and initiatives to inspire the next generation of women into the industry. Clare Friel, founder of WICA, who hosted the event alongside Siu Mun Li, said: “This was our fourth Women in Construction Anglia event, drawing key people from across the UK to showcase the wealth of opportunities the construction industry has on offer.. “Each event has built on the last, providing a space for people to connect, network and discover opportunities for a successful career in the sector.” Kat and Fi Parsons, who launched the Female Design and Build Project, and structural engineer Holly Peirson also featured as part of the event’s panel discussion. Amanda Ankin, from Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, a partner of Women in Construction Anglia, said: “I thought the event was really inspirational. “We had some fantastic speakers, we had a lot of conversation in the room as well. I think a lot of people will be walking out of here thinking, yeah, we can do this.” For more on Women in Construction Anglia and its upcoming events, see www.womeninconstructionanglia.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Women continue to be very underrepresented in council maintenance roles across the UK, with only three metropolitan district councils employing more women than men in these types of jobs. This is according to a freedom of information (FOI) request made by builder’s merchant Travis Perkins, which also revealed that the majority of local authorities surveyed had recruited more men than women in these roles over the past three years. In the 24 responses of the 36 metropolitan district councils asked, many councils do at least appear to be making efforts to increase female representation though. Number of women employed in manual or maintenance roles Liverpool City Council, Manchester City Council and Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council are the only three councils who responded to the FOI which currently have more women in manual or maintenance roles than men. There are 119 women out of a total of 153 employees in these types of jobs at Liverpool City Council, representing a 77.78 per cent split in favour of women. Manchester City Council has 1,535 women out of 2,283 total members of staff (a 67.24 per cent split) and Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council 608 women out of 976 overall employees (a 62.3 per cent split). On the other end of the scale, North Tyneside Council only has 14 women in manual or maintenance roles out of 587 employees in total – a 2.39 per cent split. Sunderland City Council (eight women out of 323 overall members of staff, representing a 2.48 per cent split) and City of Wolverhampton Council (ten women out of 311 employees in total) do not fare much better in this part of the FOI. Number of new hires which were female over last three years The numbers are a bit more appealing when councils were asked how many women they had hired into manual or maintenance roles in the past three years, as seven local authorities revealed they had recruited more women than men during this period. Liverpool City Council again come out on top when these statistics were analysed, with 17 of the 21 new starts in the last three years being women – an 80.95 per cent split in favour of women. The other councils to have recruited more women than men recently are as follows: However, a total of 16 councils which responded to the FOI request had recruited more men than women into manual or maintenance roles over the three-year period analysed. North Tyneside Council (five female new starts out of 162 total employees in the past three years – a 3.09 per cent split) and Sunderland City Council (again five female new starts but this time out of 130 employees overall in the last three years – a 3.85 per cent split) have shown particularly minimal progress when looking to get more women into manual and maintenance roles. Are councils encouraging recruitment, retention & representation of women in manual or maintenance roles? An encouraging aspect of the FOI request is that 13 of the 24 councils which responded said that they had initiatives, policies or programmes in place which look to encourage more women to be recruited into manual or maintenance roles at the local authority. These schemes also aim to better retain female members of staff once they are in these types of jobs. Targets and strategies designed to increase the representation of women are also setup at ten of the local authorities surveyed. Efforts being made include: Natalie Ashcroft HR Business Partner at Travis Perkins and also member of the D&I board, commented: “Travis Perkins is always challenging ourselves, our colleagues and our peers on the gendered imbalance that still exists within our industry. Creating an inclusive environment where everyone belongs is an important message that we want to put across. “Our FOI request has shown some positive steps in the number of councils which have recruited more women than men into manual or maintenance roles in recent years. There appears to be a lot of effort being made by various local authorities to encourage more women to be recruited, retained and represented in these types of jobs. “However, more needs to be done. Only three of the councils who responded to our FOI have more women in the roles focused on than men, with many local authorities admitting they do not have any specific policies, initiatives, programmes or targets which could change this underrepresentation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Thomas Roche, Secretary of Business Sprinkler Alliance A new Fire Safety: Property Protection report, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG), explores the state of property protection in fire safety regulations and examines international approaches to safeguarding buildings from fire damage. While the findings highlight significant issues and areas for improvement, the Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA) questions whether the government’s actions thus far can be considered a regulatory success for property protection. The report forms part of the government’s wider response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, which followed the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017. While the core focus of the regulations has always been life safety, a public call for evidence revealed growing concerns that building and property protection were being neglected. In response, this review was commissioned to explore how fire safety regulations could better reduce property damage, drawing on international examples and a structured assessment of literature, codes, and interviews with key stakeholders. Property protection overlooked The report states clearly that fire safety regulations in England and Wales prioritise life safety, with property protection largely absent from the statutory framework. It notes that “most of the guidelines designed specifically to protect buildings and property from fire are non-statutory in nature,” meaning they are voluntary or insurance-driven rather than embedded in legislation. It further concludes that “there is no empirical evidence to indicate the extent to which property protection is achieved through life safety,” underscoring the need for explicit protection measures within regulations themselves. Sprinklers proved most effective Sprinklers were consistently identified throughout the review as the most effective active fire protection system. According to the report, “sprinklers are especially prominent in literature about property protection and building resilience,” with both academic research and stakeholder input highlighting their unmatched role in containing and extinguishing fires. It also states that “research into the fire resilience of buildings tends to emphasise sprinklers as the primary method of protecting buildings from fire,” a finding that strengthens the Business Sprinkler Alliance’s longstanding advocacy for wider sprinkler adoption across UK buildings. Stricter fire protection for industrial buildings overseas The review highlights that warehouses and industrial facilities in countries such as the USA, Sweden, and Germany are subject to more rigorous fire protection requirements than in England. The report points out that “sprinklers are almost always mandatory” in these countries and that “warehouse size thresholds, which place limits on the size of un-sprinklered warehouses, are generally much lower than in England.” These stricter requirements reflect an international recognition of the high economic and operational risks posed by industrial fires which is an approach the UK has yet to replicate Prioritising sustainability over resilience As the UK construction sector embraces sustainability, the review warns that new methods may compromise fire resilience. It explains that “the drive to construct ‘green’ buildings with low embodied carbon has the potential to conflict with fire safety and resilience,” particularly in relation to mass timber and modular construction. These methods, it states, have “critical vulnerabilities,” including concealed cavities that can accelerate fire spread and the use of combustible materials that are not adequately addressed in current regulations. Schools and heritage buildings at risk The review found that in countries like Scotland and New Zealand, stricter fire protection requirements for schools are in place specifically to minimise disruption and safeguard their educational function. It notes that “stricter requirements reflect the fact that schools are often seen as important service providing-buildings and community resources.” The report also observes that historic buildings, despite their cultural value, are rarely treated differently in regulation and often receive “fire safety provisions… no different to domestic buildings.” In contrast, countries like the USA and Germany have developed tailored fire safety guidance for heritage sites that balances protection with preservation. A clear case for change In response to the findings, the Business Sprinkler Alliance is urging policymakers to broaden the scope of fire regulations to explicitly include property protection and to consider the wider adoption of automatic sprinklers as a proven, effective measure. “Fires don’t just threaten lives, they destroy vital community assets, commercial operations, and our built heritage,” said Iain Cox, Chair of the Business Sprinkler Alliance. “This report validates what we’ve been saying for years that sprinklers are a cornerstone of resilience, and we must look at the bigger picture and do more to embed property protection in UK fire safety regulation. The concentration in UK fire regulation on life safety has meant that a completely destroyed building – be it a school, a factory or a historic building – was deemed a success if no lives were lost or injuries suffered. The consequent effect on children’s education, unemployment and our heritage were never taken into account. Hopefully, now, they will.” For more information about the BSA visit the www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Association for Project Safety (APS) has appointed Sofie Hooper as Deputy CEO. She joins APS from her role as Head of Policy and Research at the 11,500-strong global membership body the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM). Sofie Hooper has spent much of her career as a Public Policy Advisor across a range of policies and internationally, predominantly in the UK and the EU. While spearheading IWFM’s Building Safety policy strategy, she co-authored the key industry post Grenfell report Safer people, safer homes: Building Safety Management and provided regular liaison with the Building Safety Regulator, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and other key policy units. This helped to influence the implementation of the Building Safety Act 2022. Sofie was also instrumental in securing the inclusion of The Building Safety Alliance into pre-legislative Parliamentary and Government reports. In her new role as Deputy CEO at APS, Sofie will report to CEO Andrew Leslie. This newly created position will give APS the firepower to advance the development and delivery of initiatives created as part of its strategy to provide a centre of competence for our community on all things Building Safety. Sofie will focus on policy, outreach, and strategy development, leading on initiatives such as the APS competence and training schemes and to collaborate with other professional bodies and business partners. Moreover, her past-experience is ideally suited to deliver on the APS strategic objectives on organisational capability and helping to design a broader upskilling offer delivering against our members’ upskilling needs to meet the ever-increasing demand for specialist courses on Building and Fire Regulations in the four UK jurisdictions. Commenting on her appointment, Sofie Hooper said, “For three decades, APS has been the driving force in improving health and safety standards within the construction industry. I’m thrilled to be joining an organisation that continually strives to put excellence and innovation in building safety front and centre of a progressive agenda. I’m looking forward to engaging with APS members and our stakeholders to ensure best practice in building safety is not just vigorously upheld but proactively sought after.” Andrew Leslie, CEO of APS comments, “APS is delighted to welcome Sofie to the APS team in the newly created post of Deputy CEO. Sofie has a proven track record within the built environment and will add considerable knowledge and experience to the APS senior management team, and in particular provide essential additional support and expertise to enable both the President and CEO to deliver the APS strategy.” His words were echoed by APS President Mark Snelling. He comments, “APS is extremely privileged to have Sofie join us as Deputy CEO. Sofie is highly respected within the industry and has been closely connected with the changes that have followed the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower. I look forward to working with Sofie and Andrew our CEO to ensure the APS both supports our members and drives the change that is required to ensure that the tragedy at Grenfell Tower is not repeated.” Sofie Hooper takes up her new position with immediate effect. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wallace Whittle, the ESG, sustainability and MEP consultancy, has announced three new hires to support a growth surge across its UK project base. The business, which has nine offices throughout the UK, has been working on projects including the £1bn all-electric University Hospital Monklands, the mixed-use Dyecoats destination project in Leeds with Latimer by Clarion Housing Group, and Manchester’s Plus Ultra Life Sciences and Health Innovation Hub from specialist developer Kadans. The new colleagues joining the Wallace Whittle team are: Andrew Thorne, ESG and sustainability associate, London office: An engineer by background, Andrew is an experienced ESG and sustainability expert with particular expertise in healthcare. Murtaza Mohammadi, ESG and sustainability consultant, London office: With a background in architecture and a PhD in building technology, Murtaza will work with the team to support clients using Wallace Whittle’s proprietary ‘PathWway’ software; a tool which allows detailed, customisable benchmarking and tracking of the ESG parameters in a given project. His work will help clients to integrate building facilities, optimise construction efficiency and predict energy performance. Lucy Thomson, principal sustainability consultant, Glasgow office: Lucy also brings an engineering background and is a specialist in sustainability strategy. She has experience across multiple sectors and expertise in areas including energy demand reduction, life cycle assessments, BREEAM and HQM. Nick Hayes, director of ESG and sustainability at Wallace Whittle, said the team was now recruiting for several other new roles to support client growth. He said: “Andrew, Murtaza and Lucy are all brilliantly talented people who each bring a unique set of skills to our client projects. They’re already making a real impression with clients and the wider Wallace Whittle team. “We’ve seen very exciting growth over the last six months, particularly in the area of sustainability consulting. We’re actively looking for talented new people to help us meet the demand. We want to find the best people in the market – Andrew, Murtaza and Lucy are exciting additions to the team and an example of the kinds of people we want to join Wallace Whittle.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
When it comes to building strong structures, steel and concrete have always been the go-to materials. But what if you could achieve the same strength and durability with less weight? Thanks to new advancements in construction materials, that’s what’s happening. Lightweight building materials are making waves in construction, offering benefits beyond just reducing weight. They’re changing how buildings are designed and constructed, saving time, reducing costs, and, most importantly, helping us build more sustainably. Whether you’re a contractor, architect, or simply interested in how modern construction is evolving, you’ll want to know about these innovative materials. In this article, we’ll explore the lightweight materials that are transforming the industry. Read on for the details! 1. Fabric Structures Fabric structures are transforming modern construction with their innovative design. Made from tensile fabrics stretched over a frame, these buildings are strong, flexible, and lightweight. While commonly used in temporary buildings like sports arenas and exhibition halls, fabric structures are now being adapted for more permanent applications, including commercial and residential projects. One of the biggest advantages is that these structures are far lighter than concrete or steel. The fabric’s flexibility allows for wide spans without bulky supports, creating vast open spaces free from obstructive columns. Sustainability is another key benefit. Modern fabric structure manufacturing prioritizes recyclable materials, reducing environmental impact. The fabrics are energy-efficient, offering natural insulation and daylighting—cutting down on artificial heating, cooling, and lighting costs. Speed is also a major advantage. You can assemble these buildings in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. And if needed, they can be disassembled and relocated, offering unmatched flexibility for changing project needs. 2. Fiberglass Insulation Fiberglass serves more purposes than just insulation in modern construction projects. This versatile material consists of tiny glass fibers that create efficient thermal and acoustic barriers when installed on walls, ceilings, and floors. Many green building projects favor fiberglass for its lightweight properties and performance advantages. Buildings insulated with fiberglass require less energy for heating and cooling, resulting in lower utility bills over time. The material offers excellent safety benefits because it won’t burn when exposed to flames, making it ideal for structures needing enhanced fire protection. Fiberglass’s environmental profile also stands out, as manufacturers produce it from abundant sand and recycled glass. These readily available raw materials ensure sustainable production while delivering consistent performance. Homeowners and builders alike appreciate how fiberglass combines practical benefits with ecological responsibility. 3. Lightweight Concrete Lightweight concrete is created by adding lightweight aggregates like expanded clay, shale, or perlite. It’s lighter than traditional concrete but retains much of its strength and durability. This makes it especially useful in projects where reducing weight is essential without sacrificing structural integrity. A major benefit of lightweight concrete is its improved insulation. Compared to conventional concrete, it offers better thermal and acoustic properties, which helps improve buildings’ energy efficiency. In addition to insulation, its reduced weight also helps with load management. The lighter material reduces foundation strain, perfecting it for high-rise buildings and areas with weak soil. Furthermore, despite being lighter, this concrete remains highly durable and fire-resistant. This makes it suitable for various applications, such as floors, roofs, and walls, while providing long-term performance and safety. 4. Aerated Concrete Blocks Aerated concrete blocks, called autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks, provide a lightweight alternative to traditional concrete. These blocks contain numerous small air pockets created when manufacturers mix cement, lime, water, and foaming agents. The resulting material weighs significantly less than standard concrete while maintaining structural integrity. These innovative blocks excel in thermal insulation, keeping indoor temperatures stable throughout the seasons. As these blocks naturally regulate temperature, your heating and cooling costs decrease. The exceptional fire resistance of AAC blocks makes them perfect for safety-conscious construction projects. Their porous structure absorbs sound, creating quieter indoor environments, which is especially valuable in noisy urban areas. Builders appreciate how these blocks combine lightweight handling with impressive performance across multiple construction requirements. 5. Structural Insulated Panels Structural insulated panels (SIPs) combine insulating foam between two layers of structural board, typically oriented strand board. These innovative panels deliver excellent insulation alongside structural strength while weighing much less than conventional framing materials. Construction timelines shrink dramatically with SIPs because they arrive at job sites pre-cut and ready for immediate installation. This streamlined approach eliminates many traditional framing steps. The continuous insulation layer within these panels creates an exceptional thermal barrier, which reduces energy consumption for climate control. Though lightweight, these insulated panels demonstrate remarkable strength under load-bearing conditions. Their impressive structural capacity makes them suitable for diverse applications across homes and commercial structures. Builders appreciate how these panels solve multiple construction challenges simultaneously while keeping overall building weight minimal. 6. Bamboo Bamboo stands as a sustainable material with thousands of years of construction history. Modern engineering transforms this traditional resource into lightweight alternatives for contemporary building projects. The natural properties of bamboo—strength, flexibility, and rapid growth—make it increasingly relevant for today’s construction needs. This remarkable plant grows at exceptional speeds while actively absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide. Harvesting bamboo causes minimal environmental disruption because the plant continues growing from its extensive root system. Moreover, bamboo demonstrates impressive structural capabilities with a tensile strength comparable to steel despite weighing significantly less. Construction professionals appreciate bamboo’s adaptability across numerous applications. The material is equally effective for forming basic structural frameworks or creating detailed design elements. This versatility makes bamboo suitable for diverse projects, from homes to commercial buildings. As sustainability concerns increase, bamboo continues to gain popularity as an environmentally responsible building material that delivers genuine performance benefits. 7. Recycled Plastic Lumber Recycled plastic lumber transforms post-consumer waste like bottles and containers into functional construction materials. This sustainable wood alternative continues to gain traction for outdoor projects, including decks, fences, and landscape features. Environmental benefits emerge as this material repurposes existing plastic waste instead of demanding new resources. This innovative approach helps address worldwide plastic pollution while creating functional building products. Weather exposure doesn’t threaten plastic lumber since it resists moisture penetration, decay,
Sustainability, energy efficiency, and long-term resilience are at the top of the agenda for many homes today. That’s why many homeowners are turning to upgrades that can take their home’s functionality and reliability to the next level. One such upgrade that may not receive the attention it deserves is well water boosters. These are pump systems designed to increase the water pressure and flow from private wells. Increased pressure can lead to a consistent and reliable water supply, which can go a long way. Here are the different ways these boosters can help guarantee that. Enhanced Water Pressure for Modern Living The average family uses their water supply for various purposes, including dishwashing, showering, cleaning, irrigation, and so on. Water pressure at the right levels is non-negotiable for these activities to happen as they should. When you have a well water booster or any other system that’s up to par, you can worry less about your water-related home activities. These tech marvels can significantly increase water pressure throughout your home and guarantee that all fixtures operate at optimal levels. This is especially important if your home is on the larger end of the spectrum and has multiple bathrooms, or in situations where distance from the well can lead to reduced pressure. If this looks like a solution you can use, consider getting in touch with EPP Well Solutions or other providers who are well-versed in all things water boosters. Look around at the different systems available on offer and go with what directly meets your home’s needs. Improved Efficiency During Peak Demand Think about the average home. How many water-intensive appliances do they use? Now, consider a peak usage time when everyone’s getting ready to go out. The shower is running, the washing machine too, and maybe the irrigation system. Now, that repeats across 20, maybe 100 homes, all depending on the same well. If the well is unboosted, you can expect these devices to strain. Booster pumps help to evenly distribute water across all outlets, even during these periods when demand is high. No single appliance gets to monopolize the available water supply. Future-Proofing Against Climate Challenges As you may very well know, only about 0.5% of the global water supply is usable. This very source is dwindling, thanks to climate change. Studies show that about half the world’s population already experiences severe water scarcity for part of every year. Despite a robust infrastructure, countries like the US are also predicted to suffer water shortages at some point. [1] [2] [3] If these changes were predictable, maybe there would be a clear way to mitigate them. But rainfall patterns can be unpredictable, and there are also prolonged droughts and fluctuations in groundwater in some regions. This can translate to wells struggling to deliver adequate water volume without assistance. A water boosting system can compensate for lower yields by maximizing the use of your well’s water. Also, thanks to tech growth, many of these systems now have the capacity to integrate with storage tanks or rainwater harvesting setups. You end up with a hybrid solution that can improve your water security posture during dry spells. Energy-Efficient Designs Many people may be of the opinion that well water boosters aren’t energy efficient. That thought isn’t far-fetched. Indeed, there was a time when they consumed too much energy. But times have changed. Modern boosters come with variable-speed pumps (unlike their old peers that came with fixed-speed modules), which adjust their output based on real-time demand. The result is a reduction in electricity consumption. This is big news for eco-conscious homeowners. You get to enjoy improved water pressure while minimizing your carbon footprint. Apart from that, you also get the convenience of remote monitoring and flow optimization at the comfort of your smartphone if you go for boosters with this type of integration. In all, you get to live greener and leaner, but also get convenience and stability, all rolled into one generous package. Added Value for Resale Now, imagine for some reason you need to put your house on the market. Which version of your home would go for more? The one without a well water booster or the version with one in place. Obviously, the one with a booster. Prospective buyers will appreciate the assurance of reliable water pressure and the peace of mind that comes with knowing the property is equipped to handle contemporary needs. This is particularly appealing in rural areas where well water is common. Choosing the Right Booster System Well water boosters are a great addition to any home. However, there’s no one size fits all when it comes to making the right choice. Here’s what you should focus on: Flow Rate Requirements Determine the maximum flow rate needed for your household by considering how many appliances and fixtures may run simultaneously. For example, if you often use multiple showers, a dishwasher, and a washing machine at once, you’ll need a booster that can handle higher gallons per minute (GPM). Oversizing slightly is better than straining the system during peak usage times. Pressure Settings Look for adjustable systems that let you customize pressure levels to match your home’s specific needs. Whether you want a strong shower stream or need consistent irrigation for your garden, having control over the PSI ensures optimal performance without wasting water or energy. Energy Efficiency Opt for variable-speed pumps and ENERGY STAR-rated models, as they adjust their power consumption based on demand rather than running at full capacity all the time. This not only reduces your electricity bill but also minimizes wear and tear, extending the life of the pump while shrinking your carbon footprint. Integration Options Choose systems compatible with smart home technologies if desired, so you can monitor and manage water usage remotely through apps or voice assistants. Smart integration allows you to detect leaks early, track consumption patterns, and even schedule maintenance reminders, adding convenience and peace of mind. Closing Thoughts While well water boosters might not be the
