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Conserving water in your business

Reducing water consumption in your office will both help the environment and help lower costs, as most businesses are metered

In the office

To keep you supplied with clean, fresh water, 24 hours a day, water companies take water from rivers and groundwater aquifers (water-bearing rocks below ground) that feed rivers and lakes.

During a drought water becomes scarce and to conserve supplies we can all help by reducing how much we use.

What can you do to help save water during a drought?

To help save water during a drought:

  • Ensure taps are turned off. If you spot a leaking tap, tell building maintenance staff.
  • Have your windows cleaned less often, as long as it doesn't affect health and safety.
  • Clean cars less often which will also save money; but still clean headlights and windows for health and safety reasons.
  • Encourage employees to use water wisely at work and home.
  • Ask your water company to help identify where you can save water.

You don't need to be in a drought area to benefit from saving water. Follow these top tips from Envirowise:

  • Don't think of water use and disposal charges as fixed costs. Many companies can save up to half their water costs by implementing simple and inexpensive ways of minimising water use.
  • Always monitor how much water you use and compare use on a regular basis. Manufacturing companies should compare water use against production output and service sector companies should compare use against staff numbers.
  • Appoint a water monitor to walk round the site regularly to identify ways of minimising water use.
  • Make sure staff are fully aware of the importance of water minimisation.
  • Ensure pipes are well insulated against frost.
  • Check out opportunities for re-using process water.
  • Look at alternative water sources such as using rainwater and greywater.
  • Keep water-using equipment well maintained and check it periodically for leaks.
  • Encourage staff to report leaks and ensure any leaks are repaired quickly.
  • When buying new equipment, take its water efficiency into account. Water-efficient equipment may be more expensive, but the water savings it brings may mean it has a short payback period.
  • Fit water-minimising controls where possible, e.g. push taps, flow regulator/restrictors, cistern displacement devices, spray nozzles on hoses, low-flush toilets and sensor-activated urinal flushing.