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ACT Chief Minister, Mr Jon Stanhope, launches the new CUPREE drinking water appliance at Water Plus showroom on 12 May 2009
Photo depicts the Managing Director, Peter Norton-Baker holding one of the new range of Cupree taps with Mr Stanhope.
Water Plus have managed the hat trick of saving jobs, water and the environment with their new and innovative CUPREE drinking water appliances and the Water Plus grey water treatment system. Chief Minister Jon Stanhope congratulated Managing Director, Peter Norton-Baker, on the Water Plus innovative systems which will generate jobs in Canberra and leave a reduced environmental footprint. More...
The CUPREE
Designed in Canberra by Water Plus, the CUPREE is a 'greener' alternative to electronic tap systems. The CUPREE range is simpler in design, easier to install and maintain, and won’t cost the earth – literally!
Water Plus has been repairing and maintaining electronic tap drinking systems for over 16 years, however customer surveys have revealed growing concerns at the expense of repairing and maintaining these systems, and they are also worried about the unnecessary damage to the environment associated with constant service calls, repairs and manufacture of replacement parts. The toxic e-waste contamination issues associated with recycling unserviceable parts also needed to be addressed.
The newly patented CUPREE drinking water appliances operate on water flow and water pressure, eliminating the need for electronic taps and other high-tech equipment. The simpler design also means fewer service calls and replacement parts which consume the hidden environmental costs of water, power and fossil fuels.
A major innovation in the CUPREE system is the efficient removal of heat generated by under sink chillers, which means that the chiller compressor cools the water over shorter periods and uses less power in the process.
Unlike other systems, the CUPREE does not use water to cool. Thousands of water-cooled appliances currently installed operate with water running to waste down the drain. At a time of continuing water scarcity, customers are now sensitive to this waste and prefer to use air cooling in the water chilling process.
The success of the new CUPREE system also means jobs. Its sales and operations hub is Water Plus’s Fyshwick base, with repairs and maintenance technicians appointed locally and interstate.
This centralised operation for the CUPREE has and will create manufacturing, assembly, marketing and administration positions in Canberra and we are currently talking to local investors.
Water Plus is also planning to take CUPREE innovation into the international markets.