Envirowise is calling on firms in the food & drink sector to take six key steps to prevent unnecessary water waste at work – ahead of possible water shortages this summer.
England and Wales suffered the driest January for almost a decade and six water companies are already operating hosepipe bans across the UK.
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 Envirowise on 0800 585 794 or contact your water services provider – they can both supply you with a wide range of free water saving advice.
Envirowise programme director, Dr Martin Gibson, says: "Envirowise experience has shown that food and drink businesses can expect to make an immediate saving of around 30 per cent on water and effluent bills through simple water management techniques. This is a significant potential saving for an industry that uses an estimated three billion m3 of water each year."
As well as seeking free, practical advice from Envirowise – companies wanting to invest in sustainable water products and technologies can benefit from the Water Technology List (WTL). Developed and managed by Defra and HM Revenue & Customs in partnership with Envirowise, the WTL offers a real incentive for businesses to invest in technologies that promote the efficient use of water by offering tax relief through the Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme. For more information go to the Envirowise water page.
Earlier this year, Environment and Climate Change Minister, Elliot Morley, highlighted that it was not simply down to the water companies, government, or consumers alone, to take action on reducing water waste.
Speaking at water industry conference Source 2006, he said: "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."
For further information or to book a free on-site resource efficiency review from Envirowise call 0800 585 794 or visit the Envirowise website.
Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Harrison Cowley.
Notes to Editors:
Sources: Met Office
regional rainfall figures for January 2006, Financial times website(24/02/06) and Defra (02/02/06).
To find out more you can download the following practical guides on water saving: GG523 – Cost saving water devices and practices, GG152R – Tracking water use to cut costs and GG027 - Saving Money Through Waste Minimisation: Teams and Champions.
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 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 £1.3 billion.
The Envirowise programme is available to any UK business, completely free of charge. For more information visit the Envirowise website or call 0800 585 794.