When looking at areas to cut down on spending, people often overlook their water bills.
Water is such a precious resource and necessary for so many things, from how we care for ourselves to how we grow our food and how we manufacture goods.
Depending on the business and industry, daily water usage can actually be quite high. In an office, most of the water will be used for eating, drinking, and in the bathrooms. This isn’t so bad on its own, but if we throw in a factory and equipment that needs water to run, the bill can start to climb.
Finding ways to reduce the amount of water used, and your water bill can actually help you reduce your operational costs. Ideally, you should look to your energy supplier for great water deals. You can also renegotiate your contract and possibly get a better tariff than before. In the event that there isn’t a better deal on offer, there are other methods of reducing your water consumption.
Reduce Water Usage
The most obvious way to reduce your business water bills is to try and cut down on the amount of water being used. This is probably easier said than done, however.
One of the most important parts of a water reduction drive is the participation of employees. Getting employees on board with any implemented water initiatives will go a long way in making sure that they’re successful. Signs, posters, and reminders can ensure that people are aware of what needs to be done.
Having a water audit conducted is also a good first step in reducing water consumption. Knowing where you use the most water will let you know what you need to do to cut back. Your first step should be to contact your energy supplier and see what they recommend for water usage reduction.
There are a few things that your energy supplier might recommend or offer to help you:
- Smart Meters
When you install smart meters, you’ll be able to see how much water you use and set water goals. You can better keep track of how much water you’re using when you have a smart metre.
- Greywater and Rainwater Systems
Creating systems that utilise greywater and rainwater can be another method of cutting down on water usage. By recycling this water in a toilet cistern, for example, it’s possible to save several litres per flush.
- Automatic Taps
Automatic taps can ensure that less water is being used as well as prevent water loss through leaks. Because they are sensor-activated, the water won’t run continuously while someone is washing their hands.
- Insulating Pipes
Insulating your water pipes can help prevent water loss through leakage. The insulation lowers the chances of the pipes cracking or bursting.
Switch Energy Suppliers
As your current business water contract comes to an end, you should keep an eye out for better tariffs from other energy suppliers. You can easily compare the different deals and tariffs across multiple suppliers by using a comparison site.
It can be cheaper to switch suppliers than it is to renew your contract, and it’s a hassle-free process. Your new supplier will handle the switch with your old supplier once you’ve signed your new contract.
Check Equipment Efficiency
Having a water audit conducted can tell you where you’re using, or losing, water. Some suppliers will offer a complimentary water audit for signing up with them. You should pay special attention to how much water is being used by any machines that require it.
If machinery or equipment needs to be upgraded or repaired, it may not be using water as efficiently as it could. Doing routine maintenance on all equipment is a good way to make sure that energy is being used efficiently. You can also consider upgrading equipment and buying more energy-efficient equipment.
Final Thoughts
Reducing your business’s water usage can seem like a hard task to tackle, but there are quite a few things that you can do. Having a clear picture of how much water you use and what you pay for it will give you a good idea of what you need to do. When researching your options, don’t be afraid to switch suppliers if necessary.
Remember that reducing your water usage not only helps the environment but can also save you money in the long run. Additionally, educating your employees on the importance of water conservation and implementing small changes in their daily routines can make a big impact on your overall water usage.
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