Business Advice Water saving tips

There are many ways that you can save water around your business, from rates to acquiring water rates for business.

You may find the following tips helpful:

– Use a bowl in the sink when washing fruit, vegetables, or dishes. You can then use the wastewater to water your plants.
– Fill a jug of water and put it in the fridge when you want a cold drink.
– Turn off the tap when you clean your teeth. A running tap uses up to nine litres of water a minute.
– Wait until you have a full load before using your washing machine or your dishwasher. Some new washing machines use less than seven litres of water for each kilogramme of clothes. In comparison, modern dishwashers can tell us as little as 10 to 15 litres of water a cycle.
– If possible, take a shower instead of a bath. A five-minute shower uses about 40 litres of water, half the volume of a standard bath.
– Use a water-saving device in your toilet cistern. Depending on the size of your cistern, you could save between one and three litres each time you flush the toilet.
– Using a watering can in the garden instead of a sprinkler or a hosepipe. Garden sprinklers and hosepipes left running
can use between 500 and 1,000 litres of water an hour.
– Think about fitting a water butt to collect rainwater off your roof. Water butts usually store about 200 litres of water. As well as being better for watering your plants, using rainwater in the garden reduces the amount of treated water you use.

– Check your property regularly for leaks on your internal plumbing.

–  If you have a water meter, advice will help reduce your water and sewerage bills whilst acquiring reasonable prices on your water rates for business.

Using less water would create less wastewater, says Matthews, which in turn uses less energy and costs less money. It’s an equation company like that the primary motivator around water conservation remains a financial one for many.

You can find more valuable tips on saving water on the Consumer Council for Water’s (CCWater) and Waterwise websites. The Bathroom Manufacturers Association has developed a voluntary labelling scheme to help consumers make informed choices when purchasing water-using products.

https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/contact-us/water-company-enquiries/households/conservingwater/watersavingtips/

Help for you to save water

Water companies have had a duty to promote the efficient use of water by all their customers since February 1996.

As a minimum, we expect all companies to provide information to customers about:

– the sensible use of water with business
– how to conduct a self-audit of business consumption
– the availability of cistern and other water-saving devices
– the availability of supply pipe leakage detection/repair
– how to report a leak
– how to get further information

However, we expect companies in areas of water stress to do more than this minimum level.

Ofwat provides ideas on water efficiency options that companies should consider when planning their water efficiency activities.

https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/contact-us/water-company-enquiries/households/conservingwater/help/

WATER EFFICIENCY INITIATIVES – GOOD PRACTICE REGISTER Water and Sewerage Companies (England and Wales) – 2007

Overview:
– This register provides a checklist of water efficiency options that
companies should consider when planning their water efficiency
activities. There are two categories, “baseline” or “water-stressed”.
– Baseline activities are those across England and Wales.
– Water stressed activities are those across the south-east of England.
– The driver for carrying out each activity is listed. For example
customer awareness, demand reduction or developing the evidence base.
– The register of Ofwat is a live document. It will be updated when new information, techniques or experience becomes available annually. Ofwat’s ‘Security of supply’ report and involve Waterwise, Water UK and the water companies.

Guidelines for use:

– It is the proper business practice to review water rates for business at the same time as following guidelines
– This register is a checklist of water efficiency options, which
companies can choose to engage in if their specific situations are
suited. Some actions will not be appropriate or could prove not to work or be too costly in some areas.
-DO NOT use the Ofwat register as a year-on-year action plan.
– Some activities only once and not need to be repeated, whereas others undertaken at regular intervals.
– We do not expect all companies to carry out all actions under
either the baseline or water-stressed categories. Nor are these
categories mutually exclusive. Companies should consider any activity
that they believe is appropriate for a particular area.
– Companies are not expected to undertake activities where they are
not cost-effective compared with the benefits.
– Good practice, Ofwat believes that on any visit to a
customer’s property (either domestic or commercial), the opportunity
should be taken to pass on the water conservation message. Either as a leaflet on water-saving tips, providing a pack of water-saving devices, right up to delivering a full water audit of the property.

– Appropriate companies should also consider other possible synergies in delivering water efficiency messages during their day-to-day contact with customers.

– The contact companies are not intended to be an exhaustive list of

https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/contact-us/water-company-enquiries/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/gud_pro_goodpractreg.pdf

Sustainable water is good for business

Businesses could save a considerable amount of money, not only by reviewing water rates but by making water a crucial part of their environmental strategy.
Using less water creates less wastewater, which in turn uses less energy and costs less money.

Water traditionally has not been high on business agendas. Lagging behind corporate social responsibility reports, energy usage, and carbon strategies.
But as water becomes an increasingly precious resource, a vast opportunity exists for companies to save money by putting water management at the centre of their environmental strategy.

Businesses must learn essential lessons from the challenges that the utility industry has faced, reducing usage and waste. Using water more sustainably, they can operate more efficiently and effectively.

Every cubic metre of water supplied, made safe to use and then taken away from our businesses as waste equates to 1kg of carbon.

Better understanding the energy implications of heating or cooling water as part of the manufacturing process can cut their energy costs and reduce their carbon emissions.

But if a business wants to change its water management strategy, where should it start?

Several of the major water companies offer support to small and medium enterprise (SME) business customers in the form of Rippleffect.
New water-saving service developed in partnership with resource efficiency experts WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) is a not-for-profit, a government-funded company) that supports businesses, local authorities, communities, and individuals.
This Rippleffect helps reduce waste and using resources more efficiently”).

Rippleffect gives practical advice to SMEs to help them better understand their water footprint – the volume of water needed to provide goods and services. The programme demonstrates simple ways to save water and money and learn about “quick win” water-saving devices. By showing businesses the actual water costs, says WRAP, they can save as much as 30% on their water bills.

Brewer Greene King brewer is no stranger to environmental improvement, with trying to achieve Carbon Trust Standard.

Working with Anglian Water Business, Greene King reduced water consumption across 90 sites by reviewing tariffs available. Installing water meters around their sites also helped identify faulty equipment and leaks they could not see during the closed periods.

But drawing on the lessons learnt from the drive for energy efficiency, there’s a similar need to act quickly.

Peak Consultants work closely with the Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC), based at the University of Lancaster.

LEC’s director, Mike Matthews, explained; While water companies may have long-term strategies to move water from areas with an abundance to places where it’s scarce. The time and expense involved make this a costly option and meet the immediate need for water efficiencies.

“We have to start looking for solutions now,” he says. “There is no point waiting 20 or more years for a new reservoir or a larger sewer. Instead, the need to conserve and recycle what we already have should be the primary focus.”

In England and Wales, more than 10 billion litres of sewage produced every day. To treat this amount of effluent requires more than 2,800 GWh of energy, equating to 1.7m tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

Rebecca Nicholl for the Guardian Professional Network – Wed 6 Jun 2012 18.08 BST

https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/sustainable-water-good-business-strategy

Average water rates for small business
What are the average water rates for small business?

Businesses could save a considerable amount of money, reviewing water rates for business and taking on board water saving advice. Companies must understand average water rates for small business, save on small business water rates and maximise water-saving measures.

Saving water doesn’t always rise to the top of businesses’ priority lists, especially in places like the UK, where water shortages aren’t an everyday concern. However, environmental scientists predict that worldwide freshwater needs will be one of the world’s most pressing environmental problems in the next 50 years.

Every organisation uses water in different ways. Knowing how your business uses water, there are opportunities for efficient water use.

Did you know? The average water rates are higher in the North West of England.

Switch Water Rates and Save

The open water market means you can now switch supplier and get a better deal on your business water.

6 Reasons to Save on Small Business Water Rates

Here’s why you should try to reduce the average water rates for small business:

Secure our Water Supplies

Water resources are becoming scarcer, which means that it’s becoming more expensive to build new infrastructure to augment the current water rates. Saving water reduces the pressure on creating new infrastructure. It also means that our water rates are more resilient to climate change.

Save on Business Water Rates

First, foremost, and most obviously, saving water means that you save on your business water rates.

Protect the Environment

Efficient water use minimises the amount of water taken from aquifers and rivers due to a rise in demand. Reducing our dependence on these water sources protects the resources themselves and the wildlife that inhabit them.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Processing, purifying and heating water is an energy-intensive process. Operational emissions from the water industry account for almost 1% of the UK’s total emissions.

Generate Positive PR

Showing the public that your company cares about saving water enhances its reputation and uses public relations material.

Comply with Environmental Legislation

Businesses that invest in technologies and strategies that encourage sustainable water use may be eligible for tax savings. The Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) water scheme incentivises businesses to invest in technologies that improve water quality and save water. The process lets qualifying companies claim back 100% first-year allowances on investments in specific technologies and products.

Simple Ways to Reduce Small Business Water Rates

The best business water reductions come from implementing an array of measures consistently across the business.

A broker can work with you to advise, obtain quick wins and long-term gains to make your organisation’s water strategy more efficient and cost-effective.

Here’s how you can reduce the average water rates for small business:

– Shop around and save on small business water rates
The water market was deregulated in 2017, offering businesses a choice of water suppliers.
Allowing them to benefit from increased competitiveness and elect the water rates that best suits their needs.
It also means that businesses can consolidate their bills with one supplier to administer all of their sites.

How much do you stand to save?

Your business stands to make notable savings in an increasingly competitive market. By shopping the market and comparing small business water rates, your business can save up to 20% on your small business water rates, saving your business money.

The Savings Stats

Small businesses will benefit from a savings windfall of £200 million!
Over 36 000 businesses have switched water suppliers since the non-household market deregulation in April. More than half of these are low water users – most likely SMEs.
Our research shows that the current standard rates from the most expensive provider to the cheapest supplier is different by 57%.

What stops businesses from switching?

It’s too much effort – There is some legwork involved in shopping and switching. However, the cost-saving benefit is usually worth the effort.

I won’t save much money – The amount of money your business stands to reserve depends on your water usage habits and your current deal. However, it’s likely that if you haven’t switched for a while, the savings could be significant.

I’m loyal to my supplier – When it comes to small business water rates savings, businesses need to be proactive to find the best deal. It’s worthwhile to compare quotes from other suppliers and negotiate with your existing supplier for a new contract that better suits your needs.

Reduce Water Consumption

Our experts offer some water-saving tips to help your business save on your water consumption and small business water rates as a result.

Save on business water rates – average water rates

Easy water-saving measures

Educate and inform your employees on the importance and practices of water efficiency and remind them to save water at every opportunity. They may also have some ideas of their own.

Monitor leakage by checking your water meters at night or when water not used. Make sure that relevant personnel know where your supply pipes run and the location of shut-off valves. Should a line suddenly burst, someone will then be able to shut off the mains quickly to avoid water wastage.

Insulate your pipes to reduce the risk of water freezing and pipes bursting.
Check your monthly water bills and record your consumption so that you’re aware of any spikes in your tariffs and can identify the cause of them.
Use a smart water meter for efficient water consumption data and analysis. You can use this to set targets for water efficiency.
Conduct regular checks for drips, leaks and other water wastage and encourage your employees to do the same.

Check for water leaks

Ofwat reported that 3.1 billion litres of water were lost in Wales and England every day in 2016/7 – an increase of 1%. The organisation has warned suppliers to curb leakage levels in light of the published figures.
Leading suppliers have responded, positing their commitment to leakage performance in meeting targets. Ofwat has reported that only four companies missed their targets this year, raising the concern on the markets and the challenges they have.
Failures to address leakage issues can harm consumer attitudes to water saving.

Leakage figures show a reduction by a third since the mid-1990s, and Ofwat has proposed suppliers work towards a 15% leak reduction between 2020 and 2025. Continued pressure by these organisations means consumers will benefit from the associated effect improvements will have on their water bills.

Longer-term water-saving investments

Cost savings by installing simple devices that may require higher upfront costs. However, they result in water and cost savings in the long run.

Purchase water-efficient equipment
Urinal controls or waterless urinals
Efficient flush toilets
Automatic or sensor taps
Water-efficient taps and showers (these will save on both water and energy by minimising the use of heated water)
A rainwater harvesting device

Water recycling infrastructure that will allow you to use greywater or rainwater
Use a sensory irrigation system to control exterior water use better.

Fit your showers and faucets with low-flow restrictors

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