The UK government has set a target to reduce non-household water consumption in England by 9% by 2038. Businesses have an important role to play in helping achieve this ambition, and taking steps to reduce water waste could bring benefits beyond environmental impact.
Water is essential to many business operations, from everyday use in kitchens and washrooms to manufacturing, cleaning and cooling systems. With the UK facing growing pressure on its water resources, understanding how much water your business uses, where it is being consumed and where waste may be occurring is becoming increasingly important.
By identifying leaks, improving water efficiency and monitoring consumption, your business could reduce unnecessary costs, strengthen its resilience to future water shortages and make more informed decisions as it grows. Taking action now can help you manage your water use more effectively, support long-term sustainability and prepare your business for a future where water resources may be under greater pressure.
Did you know saving water could reduce your business’s operating costs? Here’s how.
Hidden LeaksHidden leaks can waste significant amounts of water without you even realising it. From dripping taps to leaking toilets and faulty pipework, small issues can quickly add up and increase your water bills.
Have you noticed your water bills creeping up, or your energy costs rising unexpectedly? A hidden leak could be one of the causes. Leaks involving hot water can also waste energy, as your business pays to heat water that never gets used.
Regular checks and prompt repairs can help prevent unnecessary waste, keep costs under control and ensure your business is using water efficiently.Is your toilet still running? It could be costing your business more than you think.
The impact of fixing hidden leaks
A small leak might not seem like a big problem, but the water wasted can quickly add up.
- Dripping tap: A single dripping tap can waste up to 15 litres of water per day — around 5,500 litres a year. That’s equivalent to approximately 2,750 two-litre bottles of water going to waste.
- Leaking toilet: A single leaking loo can waste up to 400 litres of water per day — around 146,000 litres a year. That’s equivalent to approximately 1,825 baths, assuming 80 litres per bath.
For businesses with multiple taps, toilets and other water fixtures, the cumulative impact of hidden leaks can be substantial. Not only does this mean unnecessary water waste, but it can also lead to higher water bills and increased energy costs where heated water is involved.
Energy WastersWater impacts the amount of energy usage more than you may realise, and could be the reason your utility bills are getting higher.
It is extremely easy to waste energy based on small habits you may not know you’re doing. But the best part is, it is extremely easy to save energy with small easy changes.
- When filling the kettle, only use the amount of water you need. By adding more water than you need, you are using more energy to heat that water.
- Switch the lights off when the room isn’t in use. An easy way to remember to do this, is adding stickers next to the light switch to remind you to turn it off when not in use. This is an easy way to save energy, especially if you have a large business with multiple rooms that could accidentally have the light on when not in use.
- Only set the dishwasher off when there is a full load. If you are using the dishwasher when there is half a load, it is still using the amount of water required for a full load, so it’s getting wasted. A bonus tip is to use the eco friendly setting!
The environmental impact of saving water
Saving water isn’t just about reducing your bills. It can also help lower your business’s environmental impact.
Treating and pumping water requires energy, so using less water can help reduce the energy needed to supply it and, in turn, lower associated carbon emissions. By fixing leaks, installing water-efficient devices and making small changes to everyday practices, your business can help reduce unnecessary waste.
Using water more efficiently can also help protect rivers, lakes and wetlands by reducing pressure on the water resources that wildlife and natural habitats depend on.
Protect the future while supporting your business
With growing pressure on water resources, water efficiency is becoming increasingly important for businesses. The Environment Agency estimates that, without further action, public water supplies could face a shortfall of around 5 billion litres per day by 2055. This highlights the need for businesses, water companies and governments to work together to use water more sustainably.
Taking action now can help your business reduce waste, manage utility costs and prepare for future pressures on water availability. Whether you’re looking to improve your environmental performance, control operating costs or plan for future expansion, making water efficiency a priority can benefit both your business and the environment in the long term.
Control Flow Technologies Group also helps to support businesses and non-household (NHH) water efficiency projects across the UK and beyond. We aim to help organisations identify water-saving opportunities, reduce waste and lower operating costs.
Your business could be eligible for a water check-up! Visit our website or contact Control Flow Technologies Group today to find out more and discover how we can help your business save water, reduce costs and build a more sustainable future.
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