Drought conditions push water use up the business agenda
April 1st 2006 England and Wales have this year suffered the driest January for almost a decade and some parts of the UK could be facing the worst drought conditions since the mid 1970's. The South East is being hit particularly hard, with a number of water restrictions currently in place and more in the pipeline. In the light of such major developments, water is becoming an increasingly valuable resource.
Businesses are responsible for around a third of all water use in the UK, consuming 1300 million m3 of water every year, at an estimated cost of £1014 million. Sadly many are literally pouring money down the drain by unnecessarily wasting water. In some factories, for example, it is common for a hose to be left running to drain all day, which alone could cost a staggering £46 500 annually. Even a single dripping tap can waste up to 26 litres of water a day at a cost of more than £750 a year.
However, water minimisation is actually one of the easiest ways for many firms to achieve cost savings.
For example, research has shown that manufacturing plants which have never previously examined their water consumption can usually expect to make an immediate saving of around 30% on water and effluent bills simply by implementing straightforward water management measures. This could add up to a saving of £304 million annually across UK industry and commerce.
If companies act now, improved water efficiency could help lessen the impact of reduced rainfall and potential drought measures, and also have a significant effect on their bottom line by reducing rising utility costs.
Envirowise recommends the following steps to help begin stemming water waste: - Turn taps off fully and replace leaking hoses and worn tap washers for a quick and cheap way of saving water. In staff washrooms, pushbutton taps can use up to half the water used through conventional taps.
- Take meter readings regularly and carefully - this will help identify changes in water use
- Reduce your need for mains supply water by looking at ways you could recycle 'grey water' for cleaning equipment, vehicles or outside areas, for example.
- Reduce the amount of clean water used in every toilet flush by fitting a water displacement device into cisterns which are not already low flush types - these are often available free of charge from your local water company.
- Run a staff competition to identify water-saving ideas or organise a brainstorm. Consider appointing 'water wardens' to take responsibility for water minimisation measures in each area of your site.
Companies wanting to invest in sustainable water products and technologies can benefit from the Water Technology List (WTL).
Developed and managed by Defra and HM Revenue & Customs in partnership with Envirowise, the WTL offers a real incentive for businesses to invest in technologies that promote the efficient use of water by offering tax relief through the Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme.
Earlier this year, Environment and Climate Change Minister, Elliot Morley, highlighted that it was not simply down to the water companies, government, or consumers alone, to take action on reducing water waste.
Speaking at water industry conference Source 2006, he said: "Only a joint effort from every one of us to understand what we can do, and then do it, will reduce the risk of shortages should this period of low rainfall extend to the summer.
Consumers and businesses can telephone water companies or visit their websites for advice on making more efficient use of their water. This doesn't mean draconian cutbacks, but common sense ways of ensuring water isn't just wasted."
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