Water saving tips for small businesses

By Eleanor Bailey
 

Saving water will save you money on your water and energy bills. You shouldn’t view water bills as unchangeable costs, because (to an extent) they’re actually under your control. You pay for all the water that passes through your meter, but if you use this water more efficiently your business will use less and you’ll pay less.

If that’s not convincing enough, water efficiency is better for the environment too. Water isn’t the never-ending resource everyone seems to think. Did you know, recently the Environment Agency warned that unless England reduces its water usage there will be big shortages as early as 2050? So, water efficiency should be at the forefront of everyone’s minds.

Just a few small changes can make a big difference! Your business could easily be using 20% less water. Here are some of our top tips:

Remember regular readings

If you’re on a water meter, taking regular readings and giving us this information will ensure we bill you for what you’ve used, instead of an estimate. Knowing your usual water usage and keeping on top of what you’re currently using will also help you to notice if you have a leak, as this will show itself as a higher than normal level. Noticing and repairing leaks early will save you money on wasted water.

Profit from water-saving products

You could save 20%-30% of everyday water costs by installing the right water efficiency devices. Most easily fit onto your existing equipment to reduce the amount of water used, and can pay for themselves within a year. There are also super tax deductions currently for organisations that invest in equipment, including fittings in their buildings.

Some of our favourite simple solutions are:

• Use cistern water savers – these save around 1 litre of water with every flush.
• Fit new washers and ball valves to cisterns – this will stop them overflowing and wasting water.
• Shut off auto-flush controls for urinals – automatic flushing is a waste of water if urinals are not heavily used. You should definitely shut off auto flushing during non-working hours.
• Fit tap aerators – 50% less water will come out of your taps.
• Fit a thermostatic valve – this goes on the hot water pipe and speeds up the heating process meaning you will use less water and less energy.

Why not have a look at them all at our approved partner water efficiency shop.

Buy a water-butt

Rain water is free, but have you ever considered capturing it and finding a use for it? If you can, just fit a water butt to the outside of your business and let the free water fill up. This could easily cover uses like plant watering and cleaning for free.

Wrap up for winter

Prepare your business for winter by insulating tanks, cisterns and external pipework. This prevents any potential costs from damage and leakage due to freezing temperatures.

Educate your employees

Communication is key. Simply explaining what you’re trying to do, and the importance of water efficiency, to your employees is likely to change their behaviour. Why not try implementing a water-saving competition? Saving water can be fun.

And there we have it! We hope you’ll go and try some of these simple water saving methods.