The Bware water meter is a contestant in the 2009 Greener Gadgets Design competition this weekend in NYC. Bware is meant to actively provide feedback to the user keeping them visually aware of their water consumption. The gadget can be affixed to a sink, toilet, shower, or virtually any household water source as a passive reminder of water use.

The goal is to manufacture the Bware using recycled ABS and to power the LED readout via the flow of water passing by an internal generator. A chargeable backup battery would also be included to show the readout for up to 2 minutes after the flow of water stops. The affect would be a psychological one: remain conscious of the volume of water you use, note the number on the display, and compete with yourself or others to continually lower that number…an information feedback loop of sorts.

The information could also be found by studying your water bill or keeping track of your household water meter. However, the immediacy and visual convenience of the Bware is where the appeal lies. People tend to be lazy, and looking at the water bill once a month or running down to the basement (where my water meter is) to check the readout is less than ideal. Bware makes you aware in the moment, when you can act to moderate your water use behavior.

Check it out at Greenergadgets.com