Following prolonged periods of dry weather and increased demand, several water companies across the UK have introduced Temporary Use Bans* (TUBs), highlighting the growing pressure on our water resources.
While these measures help protect water supplies in the short term, they also serve as a reminder of the need for businesses to plan ahead. Understanding how your organisation uses water and where efficiencies can be made is becoming an increasingly important part of building long-term resilience.
You can keep up to date with the latest restrictions through our incident hub, which we regularly update.
In this article, we'll explore what the current restrictions mean for businesses and why taking a closer look at water use now can help prepare for future periods of water stress.
Understanding restrictions and exemptions
Temporary Use Bans are often associated with household water use, but they also affect businesses.
There are some exemptions to the restrictions, but businesses aren't automatically exempt from Temporary Use Bans, and restrictions can vary depending on the region and local water wholesaler.
In some cases, businesses whose operations rely on water may continue certain activities under an exemption. However, this doesn't mean all water use is permitted. Activities such as watering ornamental gardens, cleaning non-essential outdoor areas or washing vehicles may still be restricted.
Because the rules can differ from one area to another, it's important to check the local guidance issued by your water wholesaler and understand how any restrictions apply to your specific operations.
What can businesses do now?
Whether your business is directly affected by a Temporary Use Ban or not, now is a good time to review how water is used across your sites and operations.
Understanding where, when and how water is consumed can help identify opportunities to reduce waste, lower costs and improve resilience during periods of increased pressure on supplies.
A few simple steps can make a big difference:
- Carry out a water audit to understand where water is being used.
- Identify and repair leaks as quickly as possible.
- Review any water-intensive processes and look for efficiency improvements.
- Encourage water-saving behaviours across your workforce.
- Monitor usage regularly to spot unusual consumption patterns.
These actions can help strengthen your organisation's resilience while also reducing pressure on local water resources during times of high demand.
Looking beyond temporary restrictions
While Temporary Use Bans can help protect water supplies during periods of drought, they also serve as a reminder that climate change is creating longer-term water challenges across the UK.
Organisations that understand and manage their water use today will be better placed to adapt to future challenges, control costs and support the sustainable use of this vital resource.
We're here to help you audit your water, identify hidden leaks, understand your consumption and find opportunities to improve efficiency.
Our My Business Stream platform gives you greater visibility and control over your water use, helping you stay on top of consumption and spot unusual patterns sooner.
If you’d like a deeper understanding of where water savings could be unlocked, our expert Sustainability Services team can help. Visit the Sustainability Services page on our website to find out more about auditing your water use and strengthening your resilience.
Sources:
* UK weather: Next heatwave begins with amber heat health alerts in place - BBC Weather