Water Conservation for Business
Conserving water in your business will not only help protect your local supply, it will also protect the environment, boost your reputation and reduce your water bills. In this section, you will find useful advice to help reduce the amount of water you use in your business and in your home.
You can also download and print our Help Conserve Water leaflet to make colleagues aware of the scarcity of water and the benefits that conserving water can have for both your company and the environment.
Water Stewardship Training Programme
Irish Water have also partnered with the Lean & Green Skillnet and Central Solutions to develop an innovative water stewardship and conservation pilot training programme. The aim of the programme is to support Irish businesses as they seek to improve their water stewardship practices and impacts. For more information, visit our Water Stewardship Training Programme page.
Complete a water audit
The first thing we recommend is carrying out a water audit on your business. This will show where the major water use is coming from and where savings can be made. An audit can be done by the business owner, facilities manager or a member of staff. This could be an opportunity to appoint a water champion or steward. Larger businesses will often procure external specialists in water audits and bespoke solutions. Here are some simple measures you can use to start an audit for your business:
- Examine your bills so you understand patterns of use and charges
- Read your meter but remember to do so safely
- Use your water meter to check for leaks
- Spot opportunities, take action and start saving
Stop the Leaks
Did you know that checking for and repairing leaks around your home could save up to 19,000 litres of water a year. The same applies to any business.
If you think you may have a leak internally it may be worth hiring a plumber to find and fix the leaks. Even though this has an upfront cost, it can lead to huge savings in the long-term by reducing you water waste and therefore your water charges.
Invest in water efficient devices and appliances
You can consider upgrading to more water efficient appliances. For example water efficient taps, shower heads, toilets, and dishwashers can make a big difference.
Go waterless
Choosing to implement waterless processes can dramatically reduce your company’s water footprint. This can include air-vacuums, high-pressure air jets, and dry sweeping.
Simple changes
There are cheaper alternatives too. You can retrofit a dual flush system into older toilets or invest in toilet cistern bags. Businesses with showers may also wish to invest in shower timers. Find out more about water saving devices.
Low maintenance plants
If there are plants within the building, try to choose ones that need less water i.e. cacti, peace lilies, aloe vera and jade plants. If you have outdoor plants, water them in the morning before the sun gets too hot and evaporates the water.
Learn more about conserving water
Reuse your water
Harvest rainwater
A rainwater harvesting system or water butt can be put in place to make the most of the rainwater falling on your premises. You can install systems that allow you to use rainwater in your toilets, dishwashers, and showers. A simple water butt can provide water for watering plants and gardens, or even washing windows and cars.
Grey water system
Used water within your business is known as greywater. It is made up of wastewater from sinks, shower drains or washing machines. Instead of flushing it down the drain, businesses can install greywater systems to collect and reuse this wastewater. It is mainly used for flushing toilets, watering plants, and washing external areas of the building.
Be mindful
Reconsider habits such as the frequency you wash building exteriors, clean windows or wash vehicles. Where possible, limit the use of power washers as they use large amounts of water.
Keep your drains clean
You should also look at what is being poured down your drains. The build up of fats, oils and grease (FOG) can cause serious blockages. Learn more about preventing FOG blockages.
Leak Allowances
If you are a Business Customer and believe you have been affected by a leak after the 1st January 2014, you can contact Irish Water to determine if you are eligible for a reduction on your bill. Please be aware that before any bill reduction can be agreed, you must have identified and repaired the leak and ideally have this evidenced by way of a plumber’s report.
If the leak has been identified but not yet repaired, you should advise your plumber that any report should include: confirmation that the leak has been identified and repaired; the date of repair; the meter read after the repair; the plumber’s signature with a valid VAT / CRO number or company stamp. Irish Water must also be satisfied that the meter readings reflect that the leak has been rectified. Further information is available by contacting Irish Water on 1850 778 778.