You can take steps to save water, from using low cost equipment, to changing how you use water.
Only use water when you need to. Record how much water your business uses on a daily or weekly basis to understand your water demands. This will help you decide the best ways to save water and money. If you abstract water it will also help you to comply with the conditions of your licence or authorisation.
You should check:
- your meter readings and pipes regularly and carefully, particularly in cold weather, to ensure you detect any burst or leak
- that your meter size is appropriate to the amount of water you use - if your meter is larger than you need, you will be paying your water supplier more than necessary
- the location of your meter and the water supplies it measures - particularly in industrial and business parks where a neighbouring business may be supplied through your meter.
Consider treating your wastewater, to allow you to reuse it within your business. Industrial uses, toilet flushing and irrigation do not require potable water. By using reclaimed or recycled water, also known as greywater recycling, you can:
- reduce consumption of treated potable water, saving your business money
- reduce effluent flow loads to sewers
- reduce nutrient discharge to water bodies.
Consider rainwater harvesting which captures rainwater, usually through a roof catchment. Once captured, the water can be used where non-potable water is required.
Links to water saving information and advice
Environment Agency: Waterwise
You can obtain free advice and support on practical ways to minimise water use.
Business Link (England): Water efficiency
Business Link (England): Monitor your water use
Flexible Support for Business (Wales): Water Efficiency
Flexible Support for Business (Wales): Monitor your water use
NI Business Info (Northern Ireland): Water efficiency
NI Business Info (Northern Ireland): Monitor your water use
Business Gateway (Scotland): Water Efficiency
Business Gateway (Scotland): Monitor your water use
If you are a food or drink manufacturing company based in England or Wales you can sign up to the Federation House Commitment which aims to reduce overall water usage in the food and drink sector by 20% by 2020.
The Federation House Commitment
Your water supplier can provide you with information and advice on saving water and metering. Where there is competition you can compare the costs and services provided by different water suppliers.
Water UK: Water suppliers
Scotland On Tap
Northern Ireland Water
In this guideline:
Abstracting and impounding water in England and Wales
Abstracting and impounding water in Northern Ireland
Abstracting and impounding water in Scotland
Why should you save water?
How to save water
Water use and efficiency further information
Water use and efficiency legislation
