Santa Cruz Startup: WaterBrake
View a video demonstration
Introducing the WaterBrake
We see many startups get their spark and traction at the local co-working spaces. Ron Green got his at NextSpace after he observed water use habits combined with the knowledge of California’s ongoing drought. So he decided to step up, or rather step on it.
The WaterBrake is a unique new water-saving device for the home. It brings a powerful new feature to your kitchen or bathroom sink – a wireless footswitch that allows you to pause the flow of water with your foot.
The strength of the WaterBrake is its simplicity and ease-of-use. It doesn’t replace your faucet, or change the way you use your sink. Rather, it complements the faucet you have by adding the pause function.
Key Features
Achieves extremely frugal water use
Foot switch offers true hands-free operation – a tremendous advantage
Responds instantly – much better than sensor-based systems
Doesn’t force you to change your behavior
Easy installation – no cutting, drilling, or mounting (See video)
Wireless foot switch requires no installation at all – just place on floor. Or you can use the optional Direct Cable, which saves on batteries.
"Don't let the water run!"
We hear this all the time. Every public service message, water district newsletter, and conservation guideline includes this as a bullet item. Mom said it too.
“Evaluations with real users have been quite positive, bolstering my confidence in the product,” according to Ron. “Despite its counter-intuitive approach, the use-model for the WaterBrake is extremely simple with a natural feel to it. It’s actually conducive to saving water, and interestingly enough, is very satisfying to use.”
The WaterBrake speaks to this issue directly. Period.
Humble Beginnings
The WaterBrake has been in development in one form or another since the late 90's. The initial unit was entirely mechanical, employing a series of cables to activate a pair of valves. Over the course of its development, two U.S. Patents have been issued for this device; one in 1996 describing the mechanical implementation, and one issued in January, 2022 covering the current electronic device.
Current Status
The WaterBrake has evolved to its current form during the past 5 years, and reflects a number of improvements:
solenoid valves are used for instant response and reliable service
the valve set is housed in a single enclosure which simplifies installation
water hammer arrestors are built-in for smooth, quiet operation
the foot switch uses an elongated design which greatly enhances usability
the solenoid valves employ current-limiting circuitry to extend the solenoid life
the foot switch is wireless which requires no installation; it can be moved for cleaning or convenience
the foot switch can also operate with an optional direct connection to save on batteries
The WaterBrake has been in test and evaluation for over three years in numerous end-user environments. It has proven to be useful, robust, and reliable, and very effective at its task.
Reward Fulfillment
A domestic manufacturing and engineering firm has been contracted to produce the WaterBrake and fulfill all rewards. They have a well-equipped facility; have the skills to retool the design for manufacturability; and have the capability to produce units in quantity. They like the project, and have expressed an eagerness to begin work.
Typical Installation
The WaterBrake can be used with any sink where power is available. Most kitchens have power under the counter (for dishwashers/garbage disposals) so these are ideal locations. The WaterBrake can also be installed in a bathroom, although we recommend having a professional add an outlet under the counter.
The basic WaterBrake installation is quick and easy. The Base Unit is simply inserted into the hot and cold lines with a couple of flexible hoses. There's no cutting, drilling, or mounting, and there's no change to your existing cabinets or fixtures.
This installation was done in 6 minutes: