Water Saving Week is the opportunity for households and businesses to consider how best to reduce their water consumption

(19/06/2009)

It has been known for some while that our water resources are at times stretched, hosepipe bans are the tell tale signs. The increasing population and effects of climate change have put some parts of the UK under extreme pressure. The South East has less rainfall per head of population that parts of the Middle East for example Sudan. However, it is not just the South East that has these problems as 16 out of the 22 water regions in England, 10 of which are referred to as serious, are classified as water stressed according to the Environment Agency. Overall, the UK has less water available per person than any other EU country apart from Belgium and Cyprus.

Energy Efficiency has, since 2001 when the UK governments Climate Change Programme was launched, taken centre stage in respect of Climate Change. Yet any good energy consultant will tell you that the first area you should look at, when trying to reduce your utility consumption, is water. It is relatively cheap to reduce your water consumption making payback periods attractive plus with the aid of enhanced capital allowances purchasing from the Water Technology List makes the case of water saving financialy sound.

As more and more areas become water stressed and the price of water increases year on year it is time to raise the profile of water saving, hence the establishment of Water Saving Week. Indeed in the budget Alistair Darling stated that “..making more efficient use of water resources is key to adapting to future changes in the climate”.

Companies can pay as much as 1% of their annual turnover on water supply and sewerage charges, for many companies this amounts to tens if not hundreds of thousands of pounds. Companies who have not yet taken a serious look into water saving can achieve around a 30% reduction in their water bill often with little investment. There can also be positive knock on effects such as a reduction in water sewerage charges and energy saving benefits.

“Helpful information, practical tips and good advice is what businesses need” says Coles. The watersavingweek.org.uk website is certainly comprehensive. Businesses can also complete a quick online water saving pledge which will go toward a national total. Companies who pledge will be acknowledged on the site during Water Saving Week, it is hoped that this publicly available information will encourage companies to get involved.

“Reducing consumption of water is a priority for anyone who is concerned about their impact on the environment. Water Saving Week 2009 (17th -23rd July) is an excellent opportunity for households and businesses alike to consider their water consumption and how best to reduce it, through sensible and sustainable measures” commented Alan Sutherland, Chief Executive, Water Industry Commission for Scotland.

“I am really happy to be supporting Water Saving Week; too often we take water for granted in our country, I hope that this week causes us to wake up and seriously consider how we can save this precious commodity” said Tim Farron MP, Defra Shadow Secretary of State

Water Saving Week is supported by:
Tim Farron MP, Shadow Defra Minister
Ofwat
Water Industry Commission for Scotland
Bathroom Manufacturers Association
Consumer Council for Water
Envirowise
UK Rainwater Harvesting Association
Water Technology List
Waterwise

Related categories:  Environmental technologies for offices and commercial   Environmental technologies for Residential and Green homes   Water conservation and supply