Bath’s historic Partis College almshouses are significantly reducing their water use, thanks to a visit from experts at city-based Wessex Water.
The Grade I-listed building, pictured, on Newbridge Hill is now saving an estimated 1,700 litres of water a day after leaks were repaired and water-saving devices, such as eco showerheads and tap aerators, were installed in each property as part of Wessex Water’s free Home Check service.
By making its properties more water efficient, Wessex Water has improved the college’s environmental footprint and sustainability, as well as helping its residents to save money on water and energy bills.
The college was built in the Greek revival style between 1825 and 1827 for women “who had been left in reduced circumstances”.
Its 30 two-storey terraced houses set around three sides of a quadrangle still provide accommodation for women.
Partis College trustees chair Tony Davies thanked Wessex Water for the visit.
“It wasn’t until 1887 that mains water arrived at Partis College – before then 30 or so residents drew water from a well in the grounds,” he said.
“I’m sure those early occupants were well aware of the need to conserve water, if only to save the effort of hauling it up from underground.
“We’re very grateful to Wessex Water for helping us to do our bit for the environment and saving money at the same time – a win all round.”
Wessex Water water efficiency manager Sarah Harding added: “It was a pleasure to help Partis College with our free Home Check programme.
“Helping customers, charities, schools, and other organisations to make their properties more efficient helps the environment by keeping more water in our rivers and streams.
“It can also make big financial savings, especially in the case of Partis College, where we have customers on low incomes.”
Claverton Down-headquartered Wessex Water, which is owned by YTL Power International, part of the Malaysian conglomerate YTL, supplies water and sewage services to 2.8m customers across an area of 10,000 sq km stretching from Bath and Wiltshire to Bristol, Somerset, Dorset and parts of Gloucestershire.
