Envirowise is calling on firms in the West Midlands to take six key steps to prevent unnecessary water waste at work – ahead of possible water shortages this summer.
The Midlands as a whole received just 31% of its average monthly rainfall last month[1], and six water companies in England are already operating hosepipe bans.
But if companies act now, improved water efficiency could help lessen the impact of reduced rainfall and potential drought measures, while making a big impact on their bottom line by reducing rising utility costs too.
Envirowise - which offers free advice and support to firms looking to become more resource efficient and save money - recommends the following six steps to help stem 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, push-button 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 – 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.
- Contact your water services provider - it can supply you with a wide range of free water saving advice.
Envirowise regional manager for the West Midlands, John Barraclough, says: “If every business in the region leaves just one tap dripping for a day, a staggering 4.4 million litres of water would be wasted[2]. Over the course of a year, the cost to businesses in the West Midlands would be more than £1 million[3]. By taking a few simple steps firms can help dramatically reduce water wastage and save themselves money in the process.”
This follows an appeal from the government for individuals to join forces across the UK to reduce the impact of water shortages. Speaking at water industry conference Source 2006 last month, Environment and Climate Change Minister, Elliot Morley, said it is not simply down to the water companies, government, or consumers alone, to take action:
“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”[4].
To find out more about reducing water waste - or to arrange a free on-site resource efficiency review from Envirowise – call 0800 585 794 or visit www.envirowise.gov.uk
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Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Harrison Cowley Media Contacts: Kate Sturley or Rod Dennis on 0117 929 2311
Notes to Editors:
1. Source: www.metoffice.gov.uk – regional rainfall figures for January 2006.
2 Based on one dripping tap wasting the equivalent of 26 litres of water a day (Envirowise publication GG67 ‘Cost-effective water saving devices and practices’), and on there being 170,965 businesses in the West Midlands (ONS: ‘UK Business: Activity, Size and Location 2004’)
3. Based on the cost of water being approximately 0.08 pence per litre (www.ofwat.gov.uk)
4. Source: www.defra.gov.uk/news/2006/060202e.htm (2 Feb 2006)
About Envirowise
Envirowise delivers a valuable programme of confidential advice to UK businesses. This advice enables businesses to improve profitability and reduce environmental impact. Independent, practical and proven guidance is available through the Envirowise Advice Line, information resources and on site visits delivered by a national team of expert advisors. Each solution is driven by the specific needs of individual firms to genuinely improve their business practices, profitability and competitiveness. Since 1994, Envirowise has helped UK industry save over £1 billion.
The Envirowise programme is available to any UK business, completely free of charge. For more information visit www.envirowise.gov.uk or call 0800 585 794.