Businesses urged to reduce water use

UK firms are being urged to reduce the amount of water wastage, as it emerged that Southern England has had its driest nine months since 1976.

According to Envirowise, the government-funded efficiency programme, UK industry and commerce uses 1300 million cubic metres of water every year, which is three times more than necessary.

Envirowise warned that the wastage is contributing to a ‘desert state’ in Britain, with figures showing there to be less water per head in the South East of England than in countries such as Syria and Sudan.

Envirowise is launching Water Wealth, an initiative that aims to tackle the problem by encouraging UK businesses to reduce the amount of water wasted each day.

Dr Martin Gibson, Programme Director at Envirowise, said: “It has been widely publicised that Southern England has had its driest nine months since 1976 and there has been a significant focus on water usage around the home and garden. However, commercial and industrial usage accounts for nearly a third of all water used in the UK, significantly contributing to this current water shortage.”

Dr Gibson said that a business that implements a simple and effective water conservation technique can cut its annual water consumption by up to 30% and enjoy substantial cost savings. Businesses could also benefit from tax relief incentives for investing in technology that promoted the efficient use of water.

Workers were also urged to adopt the kind of water-efficient practices used by many people at home – such as turning off taps while brushing teeth – in the workplace.

Dr Gibson continued: “By ignoring the issue, there will be serious implications for the future; the cost of water will rise as increases in demand begin to outpace supply. Therefore wasting water will be a massive drain on profits as well as the environment.”

Practical advice and tips on water efficiency are available from the Envirowise website at: www.envirowise.gov.uk

(KMcA/SP)