Tap aerators are also known as flow regulators. The aerator is a small attachment that either fits onto the end of the tap or can be inserted inside of the existing spout. These water saving devices will control the amount of water that flows through the tap without affecting the water pressure as they mix the water with air. The aerator acts as a sieve, separating a single flow of water into many tiny streams which introduces the air in to the water flow. Also as there is less space for the water to flow through, the water flow is reduced, resulting in water savings.

Tap aerators are of most use to those with older taps in their home which run on average around 15 litres of water per minute. Adding an aerator to an older tap can reduce this to as little as 6 litres of water per minute.Estimates are that aerators can save up to 1,274 litres of water a month and when we save water, we will use less gas or oil to heat it and save on this consumption also.