Don’t be a drip – cut waste of water

Jul 8 2008 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

FIRMS have been urged to reduce the millions of litres of water they waste every day, to save money and reduce pressure on supplies.

Envirowise, a Government-funded programme which offers advice to business, estimated that companies in England and Wales could save more than £9m a day if they were more careful about water usage.

Industry was warned that the current fuel crisis will pale in comparison if water becomes scarce and prices increase.

Mary Leonard, a director at Envirowise, said: “Water is still considered by many as a cheap and limitless resource. The reality is that we are using far too much of it and this is putting pressure on existing supplies.

“While cost savings may be a key driver for water conservation, companies that do so demonstrate to customers that they are adopting best environmental practice. This in itself offers a competitive advantage.”

Firms could cut water bills by up to a third if they took action such as installing water-saving devices and fixed dripping taps, said the report.