Water Conservation for Business

The recent weather has impacted water supplies. Customers are asked to conserve water where possible to avoid reservoirs emptying and affecting water pressure to businesses.

You can print and save our Water Conservation for Business leaflet to help you reduce the amount of water you use in your business. You will save on bills while easing demand on your local water supply.

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:

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.

Reduce your use

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

Visit Conserve Water section

Water conservation on farms

Check for overflowing troughs and incorrectly set or damaged ball-valves which can waste significant amounts of water.

Water your crops efficiently by irrigating at the right time of day to meet crops needs and reduce losses through evaporation.

On dairy farms, clean plate cooling water can be diverted to a tank and used for parlour washing.

Use dry-cleaning techniques such as scrapers and brushes to remove solid waste from yards and pens before hosing or a small amount of water (e.g. one bucket) to pre-soak waste before cleaning.

Regularly check your private pipework on the farm to detect leaks. Inspect the ground above your pipes for visible signs such as unusually damp ground, lusher than expected vegetation (sign of recent leak) or reduced community / rush vegetation (consequence of a long-term leak).

Fix dripping taps and hosepipes around the farm promptly by replacing washers and fix overflows to avoid water wastage.

Rainwater harvested from roofs of farm buildings can be used for a variety of activities, e.g. washing down yards. 

Find out more in our Water Protection and Conservation on Farms leaflet. 

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.

Change how you think

Encourage colleagues

Make colleagues aware of the scarcity of water and the benefits that conserving water can have for both your company and the environment. Signage in staff kitchens or toilets helps to remind people to turn off taps or use low flush options.

Appoint water stewards

Maintenance staff, cleaners, utility managers and FM contractors etc may have experience in water conservation. Ask them for advice and ask if they would like to become water stewards by identifying water saving opportunities and sharing their knowledge with other staff.

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.

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