Prepare for Water Shortages this Summer
As the UK gears up for a predicted summer heat wave after the driest start to a year since 1976, water firms are urging business to save water and reduce the risk of future restrictions.
United Utilities has stepped up preparations for water shortages in North West England by applying for a drought permit and warned customers that a hosepipe ban is likely if the dry spell continues next month.
A spokesman for United Utilites told BusinessGreen.com that the firm was calling on businesses and households to try to restrict non-essential water use.
“Our advice to save water is as much for businesses as for domestic users,” he said. “We’re encouraging all our customers to do their bit, especially in the North West.”
Veolia Water similarly called on customers in London and the South East to use water sensibly, despite also reassuring customers that water levels in the region remain normal.
In addition, Welsh Water said it is not expecting official drought conditions in Wales, but still predicted that hot weather could lead to “challenging operating conditions in the months ahead”. The company added that “reservoir levels can drop quickly in hot weather when demand for water can increase by 40 per cent”, and urged businesses to cut back on water use where possible.
According to United Utilities, one regularly dripping tap could cost firms up to £1,500 a year in wasted water, while figures suggest the average office worker uses about 50 litres of water each day.
Most firms can reduce water demand by 10 per cent if they take action to shrink their base load, Mike Pocock, head of strategic planning at Veolia Water Central, told BusinessGreen.com.
Common water-saving measures include removing continually flushing cisterns and fixing leaks, while businesses can also help to identify areas where they can save water by carrying out a water audit.
As well as taking measures to raise staff awareness about saving water, Pocock noted that water-saving devices, such as urinal controls and dual-flush devices, could cut water use by up to 20 per cent.
Water-saving measures could also help firms reduce their wider energy bills. Veolia estimates that heating water contributes to a third of total energy use, so using less hot water can significantly cut total bills.
“Obviously we’re not recommending that companies completely stop heating water, but they could make significant savings by cutting down,” a Veolia spokeswoman said.
Source 2degreesnetwork.com
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