UK manufacturers can help beat the drought

Envirowise is calling on UK manufacturers to take six key steps to prevent unnecessary water waste at work - ahead of possible water shortages this summer.

Envirowise is calling on UK manufacturers to take six key steps to prevent unnecessary water waste at work - ahead of possible water shortages this summer.

England and Wales suffered the driest January for almost a decade and six water companies are already operating hosepipe bans in the South East.

But if companies act now, improved water efficiency could help lessen the impact of reduced rainfall and potential drought measures, while making a big impact on their bottom line by reducing rising utility costs too.

Envirowise - which offers free advice and support to firms looking to become more resource efficient and save money - recommends the following six steps to help stem water waste.

Turn taps off fully and replace leaking hoses and worn tap washers for a quick and cheap way of saving water.

In staff washrooms, pushbutton taps can use up to half the water used through conventional taps.

Take meter readings regularly and carefully - this will help identify changes in water use.

Reduce your need for mains supply water by looking at ways you could recycle "grey water" for cleaning equipment, vehicles or outside areas, for example.

Reduce the amount of clean water used in every toilet flush by fitting a water displacement device into cisterns - these are often available free of charge from your local water company Run a staff competition to identify water-saving ideas or organise a brainstorm.

Consider appointing "water wardens" to take responsibility for water minimisation measures in each area of your site.

Contact Envirowise or the local water services provider - they can both supply with a wide range of free water saving advice.

Envirowise Programme Director, Dr Martin Gibson, says: "Envirowise experience has shown that food and drink businesses can expect to make an immediate saving of around 30% on water and effluent bills through simple water management techniques".

"This is a significant potential saving for an industry that uses an estimated three billion cubic metres of water each year".

As well as seeking free, practical advice from Envirowise - companies wanting to invest in sustainable water products and technologies can benefit from the Water Technology List (WTL).

Developed and managed by Defra and HM Revenue and Customs in partnership with Envirowise, the WTL offers a real incentive for businesses to invest in technologies that promote the efficient use of water by offering tax relief through the Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme.

Earlier this year, Environment and Climate Change Minister, Elliot Morley, highlighted that it was not simply down to the water companies, government, or consumers alone, to take action on reducing water waste.

Speaking at water industry conference Source 2006, he said: "Only a joint effort from every one of us to understand what we can do, and then do it, will reduce the risk of shortages should this period of low rainfall extend to the summer".

"Consumers and businesses can telephone water companies or visit their websites for advice on making more efficient use of their water".

"This doesn't mean draconian cutbacks, but common sense ways of ensuring water isn't just wasted".

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