The hidden cost of water waste: Why businesses can’t afford to ignore efficiency

Water waste is often overlooked in discussions around water efficiency and saving on business water bills, but it shouldn’t be. According to the UK government’s review of regional water resource plans, England is projected to face a shortfall of nearly five billion litres of water per day by 2050*.

Every litre of wasted water represents a hidden cost, whether through inflated utility bills, operational inefficiencies or missed opportunities to meet regulatory requirements. In a landscape where sustainability is becoming a competitive differentiator, businesses without a clear business water sustainability plan risk falling behind.

Understanding the 2050 water deficit

England is heading toward a serious water supply challenge. According to the UK government’s review of regional water resource plans, the country could face a shortfall of nearly five billion litres of water per day by 2050*. That amount of water would fill 50,000 double-decker buses every single day.

This shortage is driven by several factors:

• Climate change, which is increasing the frequency of droughts and reducing rainfall in key regions
• Population growth, especially in the South and East of England, where water demand is already high
• Environmental protections, which rightly aim to leave more water in rivers and aquifers to support ecosystems
• Aging infrastructure, which can lead to significant leakage and inefficiencies across the network.

For businesses, this isn’t a future problem, it’s a growing risk that could affect operations, costs and compliance. As water becomes scarcer, companies may face tighter usage restrictions, higher charges and greater scrutiny over their environmental impact.

Businesses that act now to reduce water waste and improve efficiency will be better prepared to navigate these challenges and may even gain a competitive edge.

The benefits of using less water

Using less water isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for business too. As bills go up and regulations around water use become stricter, wasting water can quietly cost your organisation more than you think.

In England, businesses are under growing pressure to cut back on water use. New regulations, like non-household (NHH) water consumption targets, mean companies may soon have to prove they’re using water efficiently. Those that don’t use their water wisely could face higher charges or even limits on how much water they can use.

But it’s not just about new regulations, wasting water can lead to:

• higher bills from leaks or old equipment
• disruptions if there’s a drought or supply issue, and
• damage to your reputation if you’re not meeting sustainability targets.

Water waste is a growing business risk and the projected 2050 water deficit is a wake-up call, but also a strategic opportunity. Companies that act now by checking for leaks, upgrading equipment and setting water-saving goals can reduce costs, build resilience and earn trust from customers and investors.

Take control of your water use today

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