In today’s water-conscious environment, any device that helps conserve precious H2O should be applauded. Paul Priestman from design company Priestmangoode has created the Water Pebble – a gadget that monitors how long you’re taking in the shower by flashing red when it’s time to get out. But what makes Water Pebble different from other timing devices is that the Water Pebble memorizes how long you took for your first shower and sets about gradually minimizing the amount of water you use by reducing the time it takes for the device to flash red in subsequent showers.
Priestman says he was design inspiration came from a hotel bathroom sign which read: “Please Use Water Sparingly” and he started developing the concept on his return home.
The device monitors water going down the plug hole when you shower and uses your first shower as a benchmark. Just don’t cheat by taking a four-hour shower first-up!
Using a series of “traffic lights”, Water Pebble then grades your water usage from green (start) through to amber (halfway, get moving) to red (time’s up).
Place the device in the shower near the plughole and keep an eye on the colors. The device can be reset at any time but don’t tell teenagers that!
The battery should last around four-six months, says Priestman, and is available from Dry Planet from around US$4.80 plus postage.
