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Water Conservation Strategies For Businesses

Water conservation is one of the most pressing issues in the 21st century. Global resources are being stretched increasingly as time goes on, faced with the combined pressures of climate change, pollution, urbanisation, water mismanagement and population growth.

 

While, of course, there is the ever-present existential threat posed by running out of water, there’s also an excellent business case to be made for industries of all kinds to prioritise finding alternative water resources to conserve supplies.

Why is water important for business?

Ultimately, all business operations hinge on water and organisations that fail to recognise this, with no understanding of relevant watershed issues, put their operations increasingly at risk.

 

As water scarcity around the world increases, companies of all sizes will be affected, no matter what their specific consumption levels are.

 

Issues that will likely emerge as time goes on include:

 

  • Disruption to sanitation & cleaning
  • Problems with cooling technology (such as in server rooms)
  • Production shutdowns
  • Supply chain failures
  • Increased operating costs
  • Raw material shortages
  • Transportation failures & logistics disruption
  • Long-term growth constraints
  • Higher water rates & other increased costs

How can businesses save water?

There are many strategies that businesses can employ to become better water stewards and conserve resources for the future, including:

 

Automated meter reading

With automated meters, you’re able to monitor water usage across your site continuously, allowing you to identify issues quickly and bring in the most appropriate water-saving solutions over time.

 

Water leak detection & repair

Because the majority of leaks take place underground (so difficult to spot) or are so tiny that they go undetected for a long time, you might not even know you have a problem. 

 

Regular site surveys can help you detect even the smallest of leaks to ensure timely repairs are carried out, reducing waste and saving your business money.

 

Rainwater harvesting

Here, you can collect and store the rainwater that falls on the roofs of your buildings, water that can then be filtered and reused instead of mains water supplies. You can use this water for:

 

  • Toilet flushing
  • Vehicle washing
  • Laundry
  • Process water

 

Greywater recycling

Here, systems can be implemented that capture water from sinks, showers, washing machines and similar for reuse elsewhere. Greywater can be treated through filtration and disinfection to remove impurities, with the water used for:

 

  • Cooling systems
  • Outdoor cleaning
  • Irrigation (including lawns, gardens and landscapes)
  • Toilet flushing (instead of freshwater)

 

Water audits

A water audit will show you how and where you’re using water across your business. This will reveal any historical billing errors that may have resulted in you being overcharged. 

 

You can also use this information to identify possible water-saving strategies to reduce usage and further lower costs.
 

Awareness campaigns

It’s also beneficial to ensure that your employees know what their responsibilities are where water is concerned. Conduct awareness campaigns and training days regularly throughout the year to keep people well abreast of the situation.

South West Water’s Efficiency Business Innovation Fund

If, as a business, you have a water conservation project in mind, you can apply for financial support from South West Water, which has now set up its own Water Efficiency Business Innovation Fund.

 

The aim here is to encourage new and innovative ideas to help businesses reduce water use, with the water supplier already helping organisations improve washroom and toilet facility efficiencies via onsite visits.

 

The firm is now on the lookout for companies planning other projects, including:

 

  • Using rainwater
  • Treating wastewater for onsite reuse
  • Washing process optimisation in hospitality, laundry or manufacturing
  • Using new technology to reduce reliance on mains water

 

To be eligible for funding, your business must be:

 

  • Based in Cornwall or Devon, with a valid supply point identification number
  • A water retailer supplying a Cornwall or Devon-based business
  • A water conservation service provider supporting a Cornwall or Devon-based business
  • Projects must also deliver water efficiency now, demonstrating a tangible and sustainable reduction in  usage, and provide a minimum water-saving cost benefit that’s better than £0.80 per litre/day saved

 

Project specifics that can be funded include:

 

  • Building & installation materials
  • Skills & training
  • Equipment hire & purchase
  • Professional fees (such as contractors, builders & process consultants)

 

Funding exclusions:

 

  • Applications made by anyone under the age of 18
  • Applications made by individuals
  • Retrospective projects/costs
  • Projects with no evidence of prior approval for any other third-party funding
  • Any projects/premises based outside specific postcodes

 

While this particular avenue for funding is only available to organisations in Devon and Cornwall, if it proves successful other water firms may well be inspired to take similar action.

 

So watch this space in your own local area!

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