ENVIRONMENTAL CODE OF PRACTICE
Water Efficiency
Like energy, water is an expensive commodity and a reduction in
the level of consumption can produce significant cost savings. The
use of water has environmental implications both in terms of the
quantity of water consumed and the quality of the water after
use.
As with energy, water can be managed effectively once you know
where and how much it is used on the premises. Fitting a water
meter can help you achieve this. By making a regular check of your
water bills you can establish what your average usage is during
different seasons. This will give you a starting point to
identifying if there are any leakages or problems occurring on the
site. Regularly reading your meter will also give you this
information, and raise awareness of the amount of water being used.
A large increase in water use from one month to the next or over
night consumption (shut off any known night uses) could indicate
leaks. Check for worn valves, and damaged connections and fittings.
A pipe leaking with the average flow of a 1 inch hose will lose up
to 66 litres a minute. This will equate to nearly 35,000m in a year
if undetected, which could cost up to £46,500. Be aware that leaks
occurring within the boundary of your premises are your
responsibility to fix.
The links below provide ways that an organisation can maximise
water efficiencies through No, Low and Higher cost investiments. The
potential for water savings in showers and toilet facilities for
example can be significant, particularly for those facilities
provided for boat users. Urinals typically account for 20% of
office water use and a slightly lower percentage of use in Harbour
facilities. Simple devices can save water and reduce bills. Many
devices provide savings which will quickly cover the cost of the
device, in some cases within only couple of months.
Remember that as a business, you pay for water twice, once for
your supply, and again for its removal, in the form of effluent
charges. Therefore, setting targets for the reduction of use will
have a double benefit in terms of cost savings. The Environment
Agency has developed a
Waterwise guide to help in developing and implementing a water
management plan.