WATER SOURCE HEAT PUMPS
Clade’s water source heat pumps provide reliable, low-carbon heating and hot water by harnessing energy from nearby rivers, lakes, or ponds. Designed and manufactured in the UK, our water-to-water systems help reduce carbon emissions, stabilise energy costs, and deliver efficient temperature control for commercial, agricultural and industrial projects.
What is a Water Source Heat Pump?
A water source heat pump is a renewable energy source that provides a genuine alternative to your traditional heating systems in both home and commercial properties. It absorbs energy from surrounding water through a submerged network of pipes. Any property that is located close to a large water source could benefit from water source heat pumps. The energy is absorbed from water sources such as lakes, rivers, ponds, aquifers, and more. The same unit as our ground source heat pump is used for this, but the way the heat is collected and the heat source itself, are of course, different. As we all look for ways in which we can reduce our carbon footprint and take control of our energy bills, our range of heat pumps are the perfect example of a cost-effective, efficient alternative.
How Does a Water Source Heat Pump Work?
A water source heat pump captures low-grade heat from a nearby river, lake or pond using submerged pipework, typically in a closed loop like pond mats. The heat is transferred to the pump, compressed, and upgraded to a usable temperature. This is then circulated through the property for heating or hot water. For buildings close to a water source, it offers an efficient, low-carbon alternative to traditional heating.
Benefits of Water Source Heat Pumps
Our water source heat pump (WSHP) systems are designed and built in the UK for maximum efficiency, reliability, and long-term performance. By drawing energy from rivers, lakes, or ponds, they provide an affordable and effective route to low-carbon heating for commercial and residential projects alike.
- Faster heat transfer: Water offers higher temperatures than the ground (typically 5–6°C warmer), giving our water-to-water systems a natural efficiency advantage.
- Consistent renewable energy: Circulating water continually replenishes the energy available, ensuring reliable heating and hot water even in the coldest months.
- Lower installation costs: With no need for deep drilling or extensive excavation, setup is faster, more cost-effective, and less disruptive to your site.
- Proven carbon savings: Performs consistently, even in freezing weather.
- Durable: Switching to a Clade WSHP can dramatically reduce emissions compared with fossil fuel systems, supporting sustainability targets and compliance.
- Commercial-grade design and support: Every Clade installation comes with end-to-end service: from design and manufacture through to installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance, ensuring long-term value for your investment.
Water Source vs Air Source
Water source heat pumps generally achieve higher and more consistent efficiency because water temperatures remain stable throughout the year, unlike air temperatures which can vary widely. The main requirement is access to a suitable nearby water body and, for open loop systems, the necessary environmental permits. By contrast, air source heat pumps are easier to install and have lower upfront costs, making them an excellent choice for many businesses.
At Clade, we design and deliver both technologies, modelling lifecycle cost, carbon savings, and system performance to determine the best fit for your site. Speak to our team to find the best fit for your site.
WHAT APPLICATIONS CAN WATER SOURCE HEAT PUMPS BE USED FOR?
Any large water source that is located close to a building can be used as the ideal energy source for our heat pumps. A water source heat pump can easily and effectively extract heat from the water source, transforming it into clean, renewable energy for a property close by. A water source heat pump can be used to provide heat and hot water for a property and is a viable alternative to traditional heating systems for a variety of applications and property types. You’ll find our range of water source heat pumps are used to heat businesses close to water, houses, boats, and any other type of property close to a large body of water.
Close Loop vs Open Loop Systems
Closed loop systems use sealed pipework filled with antifreeze solution, laid on the bed of a nearby lake, river, or pond. Heat is absorbed from the water and transferred to the pump without directly disturbing the source. These systems are often simpler and more cost-effective to install, with minimal regulatory barriers, making them a reliable choice where there is sufficient water and space for the pipework.
Open loop systems pump water directly from the source into the heat pump before returning it. Because they use a constant flow of fresh water, they can achieve higher efficiencies than closed loop designs. However, they depend on clean, plentiful water and typically require permits from the Environment Agency or SEPA, adding an extra layer of planning. For sites with favourable conditions, they can be an exceptionally efficient solution.
Pond Mats for Water Source Heat Pumps
Pond mats are coiled pipes fixed to stainless steel frames, placed at the bottom of a lake, pond, or river. Acting as a closed-loop collector, they absorb low-grade heat from the water and transfer it to the heat pump. Quick to install and ideal for still or slow-moving water, pond mats are a practical, low-impact alternative when space or ground conditions rule out boreholes.
FAQ's About Ground Source Heat pumps
Clade Engineering is able to provide heat pumps as either air, ground, or water source. The most suitable type of heat pump depends on several factors related to your property. Generally, air source heat pumps are the most popular because they have the fewest requirements to install. Any type of heat pump can provide hot water and heating to your building.
At Clade, every project begins with a detailed heat-loss assessment and site survey. We evaluate your building’s demand, available water sources, and site conditions to determine whether a closed loop or open loop system is suitable, and size the heat pump to deliver reliable, efficient heating and hot water.
Timescales depend on the system type and project size. Closed loop installations may involve fitting pond mats or submerged pipework, while open loop systems require pumps and filtration equipment linked to the water source. In both cases, internal plant setup and commissioning are handled in-house by Clade to ensure a smooth delivery.
Absolutely. Because they draw energy from water, where temperatures are far more stable than outdoor air, WSHPs maintain performance throughout the year – even in the coldest weather. This makes them an excellent choice across all UK regions.
Closed loop systems are largely low-maintenance. Open loop systems require regular checks of strainers, pumps, and heat exchangers to maintain efficiency. Clade offers annual servicing, remote monitoring, and tailored aftercare packages to keep your system performing at its best.
In most domestic cases, WSHPs are considered permitted development. Larger commercial schemes, or projects involving significant pipework or open loop abstraction, may require planning consent and environmental permits. Clade manages these regulatory processes during the design stage, ensuring compliance from the outset.
CONTACT US
Speak with our team of experts and discuss your requirements. Complete this quick form and we will be in touch or contact us using:
Bristol & Bath Science Park
Dirac Crescent, Emersons Green
Bristol, BS16 7FR