Save water at work
If you save water at home, it makes sense to be careful at work too. This can reduce costs and shows employees, customers and everyone else that you care about the environment.
Why save water at work?
Every drop of water we use is taken from the natural environment and treated to make it safe.
It takes energy to treat and transport water. If supplies run low, we need to balance our need for water against the risk of harming delicate ecosystems by taking more water from rivers, reservoirs and groundwater stores.
We spend a lot of our time in the workplace, which means we also use a lot of water there. Whether it’s using the loo, tea making, or a production process, it’s really important to be water efficient at work.
The benefits of saving water at work
Being careful with water can be a really positive thing for a business:
- Reduces costs (water and energy, if less water is heated)
- Contributes to sustainability and carbon reduction targets
- Demonstrates environmental responsibility to employees, customers and other stakeholders
Helps to address leaks, which can damage premises.
How can you help?
You can protect water resources by taking simple steps to save water at work.
Raise awareness
Just knowing why water efficiency is important is a major step forward. Spread the word – you could use posters, training sessions or discussion to raise the issue.
If you need some help with this, take a look at Waterwise's Water Literacy programme or even their water efficiency training.
Find ways to save water
Every organisation is different, so you’ll need to find ways of saving water that work best for you.
This might include finding and fixing leaks, fitting efficient fittings in toilets and kitchens and insulating pipes to protect against winter bursts.
See the carousel below for specific ideas of how to save water.
Set targets
It always helps if you can measure the impact of your efforts. Wherever possible, put some figures against what you use now, in litres and in financial cost.
You can use this to check whether you are having an impact. There’s nothing as satisfying as making a graph that shows your success!
Sharing your targets and results can also help to boost your reputation.
Keep going!
Water efficiency isn’t a one-time thing. It takes time and focus to make sure you maintain the improvements.
It helps if you have a systematic approach. For example, you could plan regular checks for leaky fittings and pipes, or include an annual winter preparation audit to help prevent bursts.
In bathrooms
Toilets, sinks and showers use a lot of water. You could try:
- Using automatic taps to ensure they’re never left running
- Adding cistern displacement devices to older toilets, reducing the water used per flush (not suitable for push-button toilets)
- Opting for waterless urinals – you can fit these or convert existing ones
- Fitting water-saving aerators to taps and showers, which mix the water with tiny air bubbles so you can wash with less
In kitchens
Whether you have a basic tea station or a full canteen, there are lots of ways to save water.
- Use hot and cold water dispensers to reduce waste and save time (waiting for the kettle, letting the tap run cold) and energy
- Encourage colleagues to use the save mug or glass all day
- Only run dishwashers when they’re full, and using eco-mode
Outside
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The external parts of your premises matter too!
- Install a water butt for watering plants, washing company cars, and rinsing off equipment
- When landscaping, go for drought-resistant plants that won’t need regular watering
- If possible, avoid non-permeable parking surfaces like tarmac – porous materials like gravel soak up water and help to reduce flooding risk
Using gadgets to save water
Water-saving devices help you save water without the need for habit changes. They’re often inexpensive and quickly pay for themselves through bill savings.
Why not try:
- Cistern displacement device – add to a toilet cistern (not a dual flush) so every flush uses less water
- Waterless urinals – you can fit these, or convert existing urinals to be waterless
- Urinal flush control – an infrared sensor turns off the flush if no movement is detected for five minutes
- Automatic taps – taps can’t be left running with push-button or sensor-activated taps
- Shower and tap aerators – water is mixed with tiny air bubbles for a great wash with less water
- Hot and cold water dispensers save on energy bills as well as reducing water waste (for example, by waiting for water to run cold)
- Rainwater harvesting to use water for things like watering plants or flushing toilets.
You can also choose water-efficient dishwashers, washing machines and other appliances.