In the UK, non-domestic water usage averages over 221 million litres a day. That includes water used for manufacturing, irrigation and farming, cooling systems, cleaning, food preparation and processing, and hygiene.
Seasonal spikes in summer can reach much higher daily figures, with extra water needed for landscaping, hydration, hygiene and general cooling. Water shortages and interruptions to supply during the hotter months can have a huge impact on business continuity.
While the public may have to deal with short-term hosepipe bans during a heatwave, for many businesses, a temporary stoppage in the water supply can prevent them from trading. It means a loss of profit and forces customers to go elsewhere.
How might climate change impact business water use?
A recent report from the Climate Change Committee, named A Well-Adapted UK, looks at the risks of net temperature increases in the UK.
The report states that the UK should expect a rise of 2°C by 2050. Although this may not sound like a large change, the increase will have a huge impact on the availability of water and the replenishment of aquifers and reservoirs.
It highlights water scarcity as a threat to both businesses and homes, and the importance of keeping water efficiency and resilience at the heart of future policy.
But, with the UK expected to see more droughts and water shortages in the future, what can businesses do to protect themselves?
Do all businesses have the same water scarcity risks?
Data collated by the non-household water retail market operator, MOSL, shows that businesses in different areas are impacted by water scarcity in different ways. The geographical location of a business matters to the resilience of the supply.
Some areas of the UK have a water deficit even before a summer drought hits. Some regions are ‘water neutral’, meaning they use what they have, and others, such as the north of England, usually have a surplus.
In the UK, 30 per cent of all public potable water is consumed by businesses, and that number is set to rise. The vast majority of businesses, approximately 90 per cent, use water for the same purposes as domestic customers – for example, hygiene and food preparation.
Other business water consumers, such as manufacturing, farming and leisure facilities like golf courses, use the largest share, approximately 50 per cent of the non-domestic water. These organisations require a different and often bespoke approach.
How can businesses manage water usage in a heatwave?
UK water efficiency charity, Waterwise, is targeting campaigns at businesses to raise awareness and support them in becoming more water efficient.
The charity advocates for businesses to plan and incorporate continuity planning that includes water as well as other utilities. It also provides training and advice to organisations that want to reduce their water usage.
A water impact calculator is available on its website as a good place for householders to start, and it can be used for smaller businesses.
For saving water at work, the charity provides the following tips:
Water-efficient fittings
Install water-efficient taps and fixtures, for example, taps with infra-red sensors and dual flushes for toilets. Given they are used far more than domestic fittings, the return on investment for upgrades can be considerable when the water bills go down.
These can also include waterless urinals, eco-settings on dishwashers, instant boiling water taps rather than kettles, and aerated spray taps.
Staff education
Include water efficiency training as part of an induction programme for new employees and set team-wide targets for reducing water consumption.
Committing as a company to saving water can highlight its importance to staff and to clients and customers, encouraging them to contribute to the cause.
Check your bills and monitor use
A surefire way to waste water is with hidden leaks. Monitoring use with a SPID meter and checking your usage regularly on bills can help identify how much is lost in litres and pounds.
Some business water companies may be able to offer a live dashboard similar to domestic gas and electricity monitors.
Water recycling systems
Because businesses use a larger amount of water than domestic consumers, there is more scope to recycle water that would otherwise end up in sewage treatment plants.
Although businesses will still need potable water, recycling can provide a sustainable source of water when high-quality drinking water is not essential for the process.
Contact your supplier
Ask your supplier if they have information and tools that can help you be more efficient with water usage. Ideally, the right water company can provide water efficiency services and advice.
For companies and organisations that have larger water consumption requirements, they can switch their business water supplier to one that can support them in their goals.
Water companies can offer tailored support for businesses in reducing water consumption and preparing water efficiency plans, while offering the best tariff deals. That way, they can ensure they stay open for business, whatever the weather.
