Helping your business save water
How to make sure your business is using every drop carefully – saving water and money.
Whether you’re a large office or a small studio, a café or a pub, a warehouse or a factory – it’s almost certain that your business uses water in one way or another.
And it's likely that water and utility bills contribute a lot to your overheads.
Making your business water efficient – the benefits
By making your business water efficient you'll be demonstrating your environmental credentials, and contributing to your Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) guidelines.
And, by reducing your carbon footprint and preserving this precious resource, you’ll also save money – directly by reducing your water bills, and indirectly through heating less water.
What your business can do
Water efficient environmental policy
- Create a water usage policy
- Appoint a water saving ambassador/officer
- Conduct a water use review, identify improvements and potential for savings
- Set targets and deadlines for improvements
- Research water saving technology specific to your industry (e.g. agriculture, food production, printing etc.)
Upgrade and use less water
- Dual flush, efficient cisterns (can be retro fitted)
- Low flow tap and shower valves (can be retro fitted)
- Upgrade to low-flow toilets and waterless urinals (staff and customer facilities)
- Automatic or push, self-closing taps (staff and customer facilities)
- Water efficient appliances (domestic or commercial dishwashers and washing machines)
- Water butt/rainwater harvesting if you have a garden
Create a water saving culture
- Turn off taps after use
- Use correct dual flush button
- Washing up – use a bowl, don’t wash under a running tap
- Dishwasher/washing machine – always wash a full load
- 4-minute time limit for work showers
- Washing work vehicles – use a bucket not a hose. If using a hose make sure it’s switched off when not in use
Help your team to make changes
- Literature/internal communications encouraging water saving behaviour
- Awareness signage and stickers e.g. turn off taps/use correct flush/washing up
- Education programme/course – communicate your water saving policy and tips
- Encourage water saving at home
Tackle the drips
- Regularly check your system for leaks
- Check meter out of hours to ensure no usage/leaks
- Quickly fix small leaks such as dripping taps/leaky loos
- Making sure you know where your supply pipes and shut off valves are
- Insulate pipes and have a cold weather plan to protect from freezing and splitting
Water efficient environmental policy
- Create a water usage policy
- Appoint a water saving ambassador/officer
- Conduct a water use review, identify improvements and potential for savings
- Set targets and deadlines for improvements
- Research water saving technology specific to your industry (e.g. agriculture, food production, printing etc.)
Upgrade and use less water
- Dual flush, efficient cisterns (can be retro fitted)
- Low flow tap and shower valves (can be retro fitted)
- Upgrade to low-flow toilets and waterless urinals (staff and customer facilities)
- Automatic or push, self-closing taps (staff and customer facilities)
- Water efficient appliances (domestic or commercial dishwashers and washing machines)
- Water butt/rainwater harvesting if you have a garden
Create a water saving culture
- Turn off taps after use
- Use correct dual flush button
- Washing up – use a bowl, don’t wash under a running tap
- Dishwasher/washing machine – always wash a full load
- 4-minute time limit for work showers
- Washing work vehicles – use a bucket not a hose. If using a hose make sure it’s switched off when not in use
Help your team to make changes
- Literature/internal communications encouraging water saving behaviour
- Awareness signage and stickers e.g. turn off taps/use correct flush/washing up
- Education programme/course – communicate your water saving policy and tips
- Encourage water saving at home
Tackle the drips
- Regularly check your system for leaks
- Check meter out of hours to ensure no usage/leaks
- Quickly fix small leaks such as dripping taps/leaky loos
- Making sure you know where your supply pipes and shut off valves are
- Insulate pipes and have a cold weather plan to protect from freezing and splitting
Water efficient environmental policy
- Create a water usage policy
- Appoint a water saving ambassador/officer
- Conduct a water use review, identify improvements and potential for savings
- Set targets and deadlines for improvements
- Research water saving technology specific to your industry (e.g. agriculture, food production, printing etc.)
Upgrade and use less water
- Dual flush, efficient cisterns (can be retro fitted)
- Low flow tap and shower valves (can be retro fitted)
- Upgrade to low-flow toilets and waterless urinals (staff and customer facilities)
- Automatic or push, self-closing taps (staff and customer facilities)
- Water efficient appliances (domestic or commercial dishwashers and washing machines)
- Water butt/rainwater harvesting if you have a garden
Create a water saving culture
- Turn off taps after use
- Use correct dual flush button
- Washing up – use a bowl, don’t wash under a running tap
- Dishwasher/washing machine – always wash a full load
- 4-minute time limit for work showers
- Washing work vehicles – use a bucket not a hose. If using a hose make sure it’s switched off when not in use
Help your team to make changes
- Literature/internal communications encouraging water saving behaviour
- Awareness signage and stickers e.g. turn off taps/use correct flush/washing up
- Education programme/course – communicate your water saving policy and tips
- Encourage water saving at home
Tackle the drips
- Regularly check your system for leaks
- Check meter out of hours to ensure no usage/leaks
- Quickly fix small leaks such as dripping taps/leaky loos
- Making sure you know where your supply pipes and shut off valves are
- Insulate pipes and have a cold weather plan to protect from freezing and splitting
No matter how big or small your business is, you can make a difference and save every drop possible.
FREE water saving devices
Discover our range of free water saving devices are easy to install and help you to reduce the water you use in your home.
Our other top water saving tips
We've put together a list of changes you can make to save water. They're broken down into 3 levels, something easy everyone can do, something that takes a bit more work, and a tip if you're dedicated to saving every drop.
Shower shorter, shower smarter…
Easy win ⭐
Knock a few minutes off your shower time. The average shower uses 10 litres of water a minute, so by halving your shower time from 10 minutes to 5 minutes, you'll save around 50 litres a day!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
The soap and rinse technique. Turn the shower on and get wet, then turn it off whilst you lather up with soap. Finally, hop back in and turn on the shower to rinse off. It can take a bit of getting used to, but you’ll soon be trying to set personal bests for how quickly you can shower.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Skip a day. If you’re planning a duvet day, then going without a shower will help you to save buckets of water. Just pick a day where you don’t need to be red carpet ready and relax, safe in the knowledge that you've done your bit to save water.
With baths, less is definitely less…
Easy win ⭐
Less is more. Ok, less is less, but if you can shave an inch or two off the depth of your bath you can save plenty of water and we promise you won't notice the difference.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Switch for a shower. Sometimes nothing beats a soak in the tub, but if you’re a regular bather and you switch half of your baths for a 5-minute shower, you’ll see those water bills tumbling.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
If you have treated yourself to a relaxing bath, don’t touch that plug! If your kids are small enough to fit in, or maybe your pets need a pamper, re-use the water - sharing's caring.
If sharing just isn’t for you, you can still make a bath go further by grabbing your watering can and using the leftover water to keep your garden looking lush!
Flush smart and check for leaks…
Easy win ⭐
If you’ve got a dual flush loo, make sure you use it! Use the small flush for number 1s, and the larger flush for number 2s!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Check your loo isn’t leaky. Push flush cisterns are notorious for developing leaks – is there water trickling down the back of the bowl? If so, you may need to get it fixed. Read our tips for spotting a leaky loo.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Ok, we know this won't be for everyone, but if you’re truly an aspiring eco warrior, remember these wise words – if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down!
Top tips for doing the dishes…
Easy win ⭐
Make sure your dishwasher is always full! Your dishwasher uses the same amount of water and energy, regardless of how many dishes you stack, so be generous with your loads.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Don’t rinse dishes before washing. Instead, use a cake spatula (or a good old-fashioned knife) to scrape any excess food into your food waste bin. This saves water and means you won't be fishing leftovers out of the plug hole - yuck!
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
When washing up in the sink, use a washing up bowl, as this uses much less water than filling up the whole sink.
Wash the cleaner items, such as glasses, first and leave the really dirty dishes till last so you don’t have to change the water as often.
Always wash a full load…
Easy win ⭐
Much like a dishwasher, you should always fill up your washing machine with a full load. Washing your clothes with a typical washing machine uses an average of 112 litres of water a week. Save clothes up rather than washing a few at a time.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Treat stains before washing. Pre-treating stains will save having to put clothes through the wash more than once.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Is your machine nearing the end of its life? When it’s time to buy a new washing machine, invest in one that’s as water efficient as possible. Most modern machines have water saving modes that keep water and energy use to a minimum.
Lose the hose, get a butt!
Easy win ⭐
Put the hosepipe down and grab a watering can. It takes a bit longer with a watering can, but you’ll find you waste a lot less water, targeting only the areas that need watering.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Get a water butt – or better still get two! They give you a plentiful supply of free rainwater to keep your plants hydrated, help you to save on your bills (if you have a water meter) and you can even link multiple butts together using butt lining kits. What’s not to love?
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Make sure that your garden uses water as efficiently as possible. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can create a water efficient sanctuary in no time. Take a look at our water saving garden tips.
Your winter water health check
Easy win ⭐
An unexpected spell of cold weather is often the time people find out their boiler or heating system has a problem. Get it serviced at the start of winter and you’ll know it’s fighting fit and working efficiently to keep you warm all winter.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
If you’re going on holiday or visiting relatives for Christmas and leaving the house empty, don’t forget to keep your heating on low (min 14ºC). This will help to stop your pipes freezing.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Look after pipes that are in locations exposed to cold air – the garage, loft or outdoors. Wrap them up with lagging or fit pipe insulation to help prevent them freezing and bursting.
Shower shorter, shower smarter…
Easy win ⭐
Knock a few minutes off your shower time. The average shower uses 10 litres of water a minute, so by halving your shower time from 10 minutes to 5 minutes, you'll save around 50 litres a day!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
The soap and rinse technique. Turn the shower on and get wet, then turn it off whilst you lather up with soap. Finally, hop back in and turn on the shower to rinse off. It can take a bit of getting used to, but you’ll soon be trying to set personal bests for how quickly you can shower.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Skip a day. If you’re planning a duvet day, then going without a shower will help you to save buckets of water. Just pick a day where you don’t need to be red carpet ready and relax, safe in the knowledge that you've done your bit to save water.
With baths, less is definitely less…
Easy win ⭐
Less is more. Ok, less is less, but if you can shave an inch or two off the depth of your bath you can save plenty of water and we promise you won't notice the difference.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Switch for a shower. Sometimes nothing beats a soak in the tub, but if you’re a regular bather and you switch half of your baths for a 5-minute shower, you’ll see those water bills tumbling.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
If you have treated yourself to a relaxing bath, don’t touch that plug! If your kids are small enough to fit in, or maybe your pets need a pamper, re-use the water - sharing's caring.
If sharing just isn’t for you, you can still make a bath go further by grabbing your watering can and using the leftover water to keep your garden looking lush!
Flush smart and check for leaks…
Easy win ⭐
If you’ve got a dual flush loo, make sure you use it! Use the small flush for number 1s, and the larger flush for number 2s!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Check your loo isn’t leaky. Push flush cisterns are notorious for developing leaks – is there water trickling down the back of the bowl? If so, you may need to get it fixed. Read our tips for spotting a leaky loo.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Ok, we know this won't be for everyone, but if you’re truly an aspiring eco warrior, remember these wise words – if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down!
Top tips for doing the dishes…
Easy win ⭐
Make sure your dishwasher is always full! Your dishwasher uses the same amount of water and energy, regardless of how many dishes you stack, so be generous with your loads.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Don’t rinse dishes before washing. Instead, use a cake spatula (or a good old-fashioned knife) to scrape any excess food into your food waste bin. This saves water and means you won't be fishing leftovers out of the plug hole - yuck!
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
When washing up in the sink, use a washing up bowl, as this uses much less water than filling up the whole sink.
Wash the cleaner items, such as glasses, first and leave the really dirty dishes till last so you don’t have to change the water as often.
Always wash a full load…
Easy win ⭐
Much like a dishwasher, you should always fill up your washing machine with a full load. Washing your clothes with a typical washing machine uses an average of 112 litres of water a week. Save clothes up rather than washing a few at a time.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Treat stains before washing. Pre-treating stains will save having to put clothes through the wash more than once.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Is your machine nearing the end of its life? When it’s time to buy a new washing machine, invest in one that’s as water efficient as possible. Most modern machines have water saving modes that keep water and energy use to a minimum.
Lose the hose, get a butt!
Easy win ⭐
Put the hosepipe down and grab a watering can. It takes a bit longer with a watering can, but you’ll find you waste a lot less water, targeting only the areas that need watering.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Get a water butt – or better still get two! They give you a plentiful supply of free rainwater to keep your plants hydrated, help you to save on your bills (if you have a water meter) and you can even link multiple butts together using butt lining kits. What’s not to love?
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Make sure that your garden uses water as efficiently as possible. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can create a water efficient sanctuary in no time. Take a look at our water saving garden tips.
Your winter water health check
Easy win ⭐
An unexpected spell of cold weather is often the time people find out their boiler or heating system has a problem. Get it serviced at the start of winter and you’ll know it’s fighting fit and working efficiently to keep you warm all winter.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
If you’re going on holiday or visiting relatives for Christmas and leaving the house empty, don’t forget to keep your heating on low (min 14ºC). This will help to stop your pipes freezing.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Look after pipes that are in locations exposed to cold air – the garage, loft or outdoors. Wrap them up with lagging or fit pipe insulation to help prevent them freezing and bursting.
Shower shorter, shower smarter…
Easy win ⭐
Knock a few minutes off your shower time. The average shower uses 10 litres of water a minute, so by halving your shower time from 10 minutes to 5 minutes, you'll save around 50 litres a day!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
The soap and rinse technique. Turn the shower on and get wet, then turn it off whilst you lather up with soap. Finally, hop back in and turn on the shower to rinse off. It can take a bit of getting used to, but you’ll soon be trying to set personal bests for how quickly you can shower.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Skip a day. If you’re planning a duvet day, then going without a shower will help you to save buckets of water. Just pick a day where you don’t need to be red carpet ready and relax, safe in the knowledge that you've done your bit to save water.
With baths, less is definitely less…
Easy win ⭐
Less is more. Ok, less is less, but if you can shave an inch or two off the depth of your bath you can save plenty of water and we promise you won't notice the difference.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Switch for a shower. Sometimes nothing beats a soak in the tub, but if you’re a regular bather and you switch half of your baths for a 5-minute shower, you’ll see those water bills tumbling.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
If you have treated yourself to a relaxing bath, don’t touch that plug! If your kids are small enough to fit in, or maybe your pets need a pamper, re-use the water - sharing's caring.
If sharing just isn’t for you, you can still make a bath go further by grabbing your watering can and using the leftover water to keep your garden looking lush!
Flush smart and check for leaks…
Easy win ⭐
If you’ve got a dual flush loo, make sure you use it! Use the small flush for number 1s, and the larger flush for number 2s!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Check your loo isn’t leaky. Push flush cisterns are notorious for developing leaks – is there water trickling down the back of the bowl? If so, you may need to get it fixed. Read our tips for spotting a leaky loo.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Ok, we know this won't be for everyone, but if you’re truly an aspiring eco warrior, remember these wise words – if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down!
Top tips for doing the dishes…
Easy win ⭐
Make sure your dishwasher is always full! Your dishwasher uses the same amount of water and energy, regardless of how many dishes you stack, so be generous with your loads.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Don’t rinse dishes before washing. Instead, use a cake spatula (or a good old-fashioned knife) to scrape any excess food into your food waste bin. This saves water and means you won't be fishing leftovers out of the plug hole - yuck!
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
When washing up in the sink, use a washing up bowl, as this uses much less water than filling up the whole sink.
Wash the cleaner items, such as glasses, first and leave the really dirty dishes till last so you don’t have to change the water as often.
Always wash a full load…
Easy win ⭐
Much like a dishwasher, you should always fill up your washing machine with a full load. Washing your clothes with a typical washing machine uses an average of 112 litres of water a week. Save clothes up rather than washing a few at a time.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Treat stains before washing. Pre-treating stains will save having to put clothes through the wash more than once.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Is your machine nearing the end of its life? When it’s time to buy a new washing machine, invest in one that’s as water efficient as possible. Most modern machines have water saving modes that keep water and energy use to a minimum.
Lose the hose, get a butt!
Easy win ⭐
Put the hosepipe down and grab a watering can. It takes a bit longer with a watering can, but you’ll find you waste a lot less water, targeting only the areas that need watering.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Get a water butt – or better still get two! They give you a plentiful supply of free rainwater to keep your plants hydrated, help you to save on your bills (if you have a water meter) and you can even link multiple butts together using butt lining kits. What’s not to love?
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Make sure that your garden uses water as efficiently as possible. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can create a water efficient sanctuary in no time. Take a look at our water saving garden tips.
Your winter water health check
Easy win ⭐
An unexpected spell of cold weather is often the time people find out their boiler or heating system has a problem. Get it serviced at the start of winter and you’ll know it’s fighting fit and working efficiently to keep you warm all winter.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
If you’re going on holiday or visiting relatives for Christmas and leaving the house empty, don’t forget to keep your heating on low (min 14ºC). This will help to stop your pipes freezing.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Look after pipes that are in locations exposed to cold air – the garage, loft or outdoors. Wrap them up with lagging or fit pipe insulation to help prevent them freezing and bursting.