Menu
09/08/2005
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)
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 January 2014
Burst Water Main Causes Chaos
A burst water main has caused considerable flooding in Glasgow. A statement from Scottish Water said: "An issue with a faulty valve which regulates pressure has resulted in burst water mains in Mount Stuart Street, Shawlands; Cowcaddens and Duke St at the junction of East Wellington Street and Shettleston Road.
Burst Water Main Causes Chaos
A burst water main has caused considerable flooding in Glasgow. A statement from Scottish Water said: "An issue with a faulty valve which regulates pressure has resulted in burst water mains in Mount Stuart Street, Shawlands; Cowcaddens and Duke St at the junction of East Wellington Street and Shettleston Road.
07 November 2003
Water price rise proposals 'unacceptable for customers'
WaterVoice has today described companies' proposals for billing as "unacceptable to customers in their current form", and called on water companies, regulators and the government to "think about customers' priorities" in terms of value for money.
Water price rise proposals 'unacceptable for customers'
WaterVoice has today described companies' proposals for billing as "unacceptable to customers in their current form", and called on water companies, regulators and the government to "think about customers' priorities" in terms of value for money.
08 May 2012
Data Reveals Very Low Targets For Stopping Water Leakage
Data obtained by the Guardian newspaper reveals that more than half of water companies will not be required to reduce their leakages by a single drop before 2015, despite the worst drought in 25 years. The information, which came from regulator Ofwat, also shows the entire water industry will cut leaks by only 1.5% in that time. 3.
Data Reveals Very Low Targets For Stopping Water Leakage
Data obtained by the Guardian newspaper reveals that more than half of water companies will not be required to reduce their leakages by a single drop before 2015, despite the worst drought in 25 years. The information, which came from regulator Ofwat, also shows the entire water industry will cut leaks by only 1.5% in that time. 3.
17 November 2010
Defra Confirms Higher Funding And New Payment Schedule
The Government has confirmed the details of spending on Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) until 2014. The announcement means that farmers who have applied to join the HLS scheme this year, and are waiting to learn if they’ve been successful, can be given start dates. Further changes to the scheme will focus its role on safeguarding the environment.
Defra Confirms Higher Funding And New Payment Schedule
The Government has confirmed the details of spending on Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) until 2014. The announcement means that farmers who have applied to join the HLS scheme this year, and are waiting to learn if they’ve been successful, can be given start dates. Further changes to the scheme will focus its role on safeguarding the environment.
01 March 2006
Water firm to introduce meters
A water company in the south east of England has been given permission to install compulsory water meters in homes. Folkestone and Dover Water Services was granted "water scarcity status", which will allow it to force all 65,000 homes in its service area to install meters.
Water firm to introduce meters
A water company in the south east of England has been given permission to install compulsory water meters in homes. Folkestone and Dover Water Services was granted "water scarcity status", which will allow it to force all 65,000 homes in its service area to install meters.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
