Why business water efficiency can’t wait

Water scarcity is fast becoming a critical issue. Climate pressures, rising demand and population growth are already stretching supplies, with forecasts pointing to a potential 5,000billion litre daily shortfall in England by 2050 if nothing changes.*

Why non-household water maters

Although household water use often dominates the conversation around water use and water scarcity, businesses use around 30% of England’s public water supply. The Government has set reduction targets, but recent analysis suggests that current plans won’t meet them without stronger, business-focused action.**

With improved pricing signals, better data, behavioural changes and increased use of non-potable water, business water use could be cut by up to 21% by 2050 - exceeding national targets and creating essential capacity for growth.**

Addressing continuous flow

One of the simplest and quickest ways to cut demand is to address constant water use caused by unnoticed leaks or faults, also known as continuous flow.

Fixing these issues could reduce business consumption by up to 10%, saving water, cutting costs and strengthening water system resilience at the same time.**

The UK’s smart metering rollout will give businesses more granular data on their consumption, enabling faster identification of leaks and inefficiencies, and supporting ongoing demand reduction.

Read our full newsletter on water data management.

Expanding non-potable water use

Large water users - from industrial facilities to data centres and sports sites - can further ease pressure on drinking water supplies by increasing their use of rainwater, greywater and recycled water for low-grade applications.

A coordinated path forward

On addressing water scarcity, Business Stream CEO, Jo Dow, said:

“Water scarcity is no longer an issue we can afford to ignore. While a lot of responsibility sits with the water industry and Government to address the challenges and deliver solutions, there’s an important role for businesses to support efforts too and, in doing so, they can reap the financial and environmental benefits that are there to be gained.”

Progress relies on a mix of regulation, incentives and practical support. The rewards are significant: reduced costs, improved sustainability performance and improved long-term resilience.

Take the next step towards water efficiency

Get in touch today to find out how you can reduce your water use, cut costs and contribute to a more water resilient UK. Email our Sustainability Solutions team at solutions@business-stream.co.uk.

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Sources

* England faces 5 billion litre public water shortage by 2055 without urgent action - GOV.UK

** Incentivising business customers to reduce water consumption