Survey finds more SMEs prioritising water conservation to cut costs and boost sustainability.

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Uisce Éireann has today launched a new national awareness campaign to help Irish SMEs cut costs and boost sustainability through its established Water Stewardship Programme.

The campaign encourages businesses across Ireland to “tap into bigger savings” by taking part in Uisce Éireann’s no-cost online training, designed to help SMEs measure, manage, and reduce their water use.

The launch coincides with new research showing that 74% of SMEs are now paying attention to saving water, the highest level since 2022. Conducted in May 2025 among 360 business owners nationwide, the Uisce Éireann SME Sustainability Sentiment Survey highlights a marked shift in business attitudes toward water management, with water conservation now ranked among the top three sustainability actions after energy efficiency and waste reduction.

To demonstrate the real-world impact of simple water management changes, Uisce Éireann has partnered with the National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA), formerly the DSPCA, to showcase how the charity has cut water costs and boosted sustainability through the programme.

NSPCA champions water stewardship

The NSPCA, formerly the DSPCA, which is Ireland’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity, took part in Uisce Éireann’s 60-minute online support and quickly saw the benefits.

Gillian Bird, Head of Welfare Advocacy & Sustainability at the NSPCA, said: “We have over 750 animals, a thirsty and mucky bunch! It’s easy to lose track of how much water we use, and that can have a real financial impact.

“Thanks to Uisce Éireann’s Water Stewardship Programme, we’ve been able to look more closely at our usage and make simple changes that save money and help the environment. I’d recommend the programme to any business that wants to become more sustainable without extra cost or effort.”

Supporting Irish SMEs on their sustainability journey
Uisce Eireann’s Water Stewardship Programme gives businesses access to a convenient 60-minute online training module that helps them identify practical ways to reduce water use, lower costs, and protect the environment.

Geoffrey Bourke, Head of Customer Operations at Uisce Éireann, said: “It’s encouraging to see SMEs increasingly prioritising water conservation. The data shows a clear appetite among employees and customers for sustainable business practices.

“Through this new campaign, we want to make it even easier for SMEs to take action. Our Water Stewardship Programme offers simple, fully funded training to help businesses measure and manage their water use more effectively. Reducing water consumption doesn’t just benefit the environment, it helps lower operating costs and strengthens business resilience.”

Employee and customer influence driving change
The survey found that employee and customer expectations are playing an increasingly important role in shaping sustainability efforts, with 36% of SME’s saying customer demand for responsible practices influenced their actions.

While cost savings remain the main motivator, awareness of available supports is growing. The proportion of businesses citing a “lack of information” on sustainability practices has dropped from almost 60 % in 2023 to 46% in 2025.

Geoffrey Bourke added: “The survey results underscore the growing pressure from stakeholders for SMEs to act sustainably. While cost remains a challenge, Uisce Éireann is committed to helping businesses access the supports they need to become more effective stewards of our precious water resources.

“I would strongly encourage businesses of all sizes to avail of the resources we have available to help them reduce their water use – and their operating costs – as part of their sustainability journey.”

The Water Stewardship Programme is open to all Irish SMEs across sectors including hospitality, retail, food and drink, light manufacturing, and professional services. The training is fully funded, takes just one hour, and provides businesses with practical tips to track, manage, and reduce water use.

Businesses completing the course also receive a digital Water Stewardship badge, a mark of recognition that demonstrates environmental responsibility to customers, employees, and partners.

Geoffrey Bourke concluded: “Small actions can make a big difference. We’re encouraging all SMEs to take the first step today - sign up, complete the short course, and start saving. It’s a simple, smart move that benefits both the business and the planet.”