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The Case For Commercial Water Conservation

We’ve all come to take our water supply for granted. We turn the taps on and hey presto! Water comes gushing out for whatever purpose we require. But with climate change increasingly in the news, coupled with global population growth, water supplies around the world are facing increasing stress and strain.

 

So what can be done about it? Businesses can certainly do their part by prioritising commercial water conservation  – and the good news is that there’s a lot that can be achieved in this regard.

 

Have a read of this blog post on the Energy Saving Trust website, which sets out the case for saving water, from a business and household perspective… and it certainly does make for interesting reading.

 

We’re reminded that more frequent droughts throughout Europe are in line with climate projections and, although water is a global issue, our climate here in the UK distracts us from how the relationship between available water and rainwater actually works.

 

In fact, the amount of rain that water companies capture for us to use is a lot less than is commonly assumed – and there are already parts of the UK that are subject to water stress. And given that our water demand is predicted to increase in the next couple of years, the time has come for us to really focus on how much we use and how we can save it wherever possible.

 

Installing water-saving devices was advised for homeowners and businesses alike, as these can really make a big difference. Measures include more efficient shower heads, flow regulators and aerators on taps, more water butts, low-flow taps, reduced-capacity baths, water-efficient toilets and rainwater harvesting.

 

So what can businesses start doing now to really make a difference to how much water they’re using? Here are a few ideas.

 

Automated meter reading

 

This continuously monitors water usage on site, also known as data logging, and will allow you to spot any issues quickly so you can adjust your water-saving solutions as needed over time. A sudden spike in water flow suggests that there may be a problem, like a water leak, which if left unidentified can waste huge amounts of water, cause serious water damage and cost a significant amount to sort out.

 

Rainwater harvesting

 

This involves the collecting and storing of rainwater that collects on your roof area. This water is then filtered and reused instead of mains water, with typical applications including toilet flushing, laundry, vehicle washing and process water.

 

Water recycling

 

This is one of the most efficient ways for you to save money on water, using the oft-discarded water from everyday activities like irrigation, vehicle washing and toilet flushing. A water recycling system can be installed to make use of this waste water, cleaning it and returning it to the rivers so it can be reused for irrigation – and even drinking water!

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