Water conservation projects: What opportunities are there for businesses?

Water conservation is key to reducing consumption, energy, and costs. Businesses can undertake many water conservation projects to support these aims and in doing so can create several opportunities.

What is effective water management?

Effective water management involves creating a water management strategy that helps businesses to understand their use, costs incurred and wastage in relation to their water consumption.

Good water management increases site efficiencies, reducing consumption through understanding the amount required against the recorded use — focussing on reducing wastage, rather than simply restricting use.

Why is water conservation important for businesses?

The rising cost of utilities for businesses, especially those in water-intensive industries such as manufacturing, is a top priority for many facilities and energy managers.

Reducing your business’s water footprint through a water management strategy alongside continuous usage monitoring helps to prevent unnecessary costs, such as unidentified leaks, which are key conservation approaches, as well as a way to reduce your bill.

Four ways to better conserve water

So, how can your business create cost-saving opportunities through water conservation? Here we explore four ways to better conserve your business’ water.

Data logging

A data logger is a device that records the amount of water passing through a water meter. Once connected to a meter, it collects data that can be continuously monitored and provides an accurate picture of the amount of water used. Meaning any unusual activity such as an increase in usage, can be identified and addressed in a timely manner, helping you avoid unnecessary charges on your business’ water bill.

Flow restrictors

A flow restrictor enables appliances and filtration systems to operate at peak efficiency, all while protecting these systems from harm caused by excessive flow. Implementing flow restrictors throughout your water system will maintain the perfect flow, eliminating the opportunity for overuse. Flow restrictors come with many benefits including, aiding in flow management, improved system performance, and saving energy and water.

Water conservation audits and techniques

Water conservation is often neglected when it comes to improving efficiencies. However, it can be much easier to implement than you may think. Conducting a water audit is the first step in reviewing your business’ current water use. From there you can look to implement several water conservation techniques such as daily water checks, system assessments and maintenance, and installing water efficient technologies and sensors.

Water recycling

Recycling and reusing water is one of the best ways to better conserve water and there are many ways to do so. From modern greywater systems which employ recovery systems to take water to reuse in around your site, to rainwater harvesting to employ rainwater in non-potable areas.

Reducing and reusing your water can help to bring down your costs for both incoming water and wastewater while supporting your net-zero and ESG obligations by lowering your environmental impact.