Water is a precious resource that sustains life, but its value extends beyond quenching our thirst and maintaining our ecosystems. Saving water not only benefits the environment but also plays a significant role in conserving energy and reducing our energy bills. In this article, we will explore the connection between water and energy, discuss average water usage for businesses and homes, understand why being mindful of water usage is crucial, and provide practical water-saving tips for both households and businesses.

Water Usage: Businesses vs. Homes

Both businesses and homes consume substantial amounts of water on a daily basis. On average, businesses tend to use significantly more water than households due to various operations and activities. The specific water usage varies depending on the industry and business size. For instance, manufacturing facilities, restaurants, and hotels have high water requirements for production, cooking, cleaning, and guest services.

In contrast, households consume water for everyday tasks such as drinking, cooking, bathing, cleaning, and outdoor use. According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average UK household uses around 143 liters of water per person per day which includes water used in showers, baths, toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, and other domestic activities.

The Connection Between Water and Energy

Water and energy are closely intertwined.

Producing, treating, and distributing water requires a substantial amount of energy.

Additionally, heating water for various purposes, such as showers, washing machines, and dishwashers, contributes significantly to energy consumption. This energy usage translates into higher energy bills for both businesses and homes.

Who Supplies Water to Homes and Businesses?

Water supply and management differ depending on the country and region. In the UK, water companies are responsible for supplying water to households and businesses. These companies ensure a reliable supply of clean water and manage the water infrastructure, including treatment plants, pipes, and reservoirs.

Here are some of the major water suppliers in the UK:

1. Thames Water: Serving London and the Thames Valley region, Thames Water is the largest water and wastewater services company in the UK, providing water to around 15 million customers.
2. United Utilities: Operating in the North West of England, United Utilities supplies water to approximately 3 million households and businesses in the region.
3. Severn Trent Water: Covering the Midlands and parts of Wales, Severn Trent Water is responsible for supplying water to around 4.5 million homes and businesses.
4. Southern Water: Providing water services to customers in Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight, Southern Water serves around 2.6 million households and businesses.
5. Yorkshire Water: Serving the Yorkshire region, Yorkshire Water supplies water and wastewater services to approximately 5 million people.
6. Anglian Water: Operating in the East of England, Anglian Water serves over 6 million customers, providing water and wastewater services.
7. Northumbrian Water: Covering the North East of England and parts of Essex and Suffolk, Northumbrian Water supplies water to around 4.4 million customers.

The Benefits of Being Mindful of Water Use

Being mindful of water usage offers several benefits, including:

1. Energy Savings: Saving water directly translates to energy savings. Using less hot water, for example, reduces the amount of energy required to heat the water, leading to lower energy bills.
2. Cost Savings: Conserving water also results in cost savings on water bills. By reducing water consumption, both households and businesses can save money in the long run.
3. Environmental Conservation: Water scarcity is a global concern. By using water wisely, we help conserve this valuable resource, protect ecosystems, and maintain water balance in our environment.
4. Reduced Carbon Emissions: As mentioned earlier, water production and treatment require energy. By minimizing water consumption, we indirectly reduce carbon emissions associated with energy production, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

Tips to Save Water

Now, let’s delve into practical water-saving tips that can help both households and businesses save water, energy, and money:

1. Fix Leaks: Even a small leak can waste a significant amount of water over time. Regularly check taps, toilets, and pipes for leaks and repair them promptly. A dripping tap, for example, can waste up to 15 liters of water per day, which adds up to hundreds of liters per month.
2. Efficient Showers and Baths: Showers are one of the biggest water consumers in households. Take shorter showers to reduce water usage. Installing a water-efficient showerhead can further optimize water flow without compromising the shower experience. When taking baths, use a shallow tub and avoid overfilling it.
3. Optimize Washing Machines and Dishwashers: Make the most of your washing machine and dishwasher by running full loads. This maximizes the efficiency of these appliances and reduces the number of cycles needed. When purchasing new machines, look for models with high water efficiency ratings and use eco-friendly or water-saving settings whenever possible.
4. Outdoor Watering: Watering outdoor spaces efficiently can save a significant amount of water. Water gardens and lawns during early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation. Consider using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system, which delivers water directly to the roots, minimizing waste. Collecting rainwater in water butts is another eco-friendly option for outdoor watering.
5. Turn Off the Tap: It’s a common habit to leave the tap running while brushing your teeth or washing dishes. However, this can waste a substantial amount of water. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth and use a basin to collect water for rinsing. When washing dishes, fill the sink with soapy water for washing and only use running water for rinsing.
6. Efficient Toilet Usage: Toilets are a significant source of water consumption in households and businesses. Consider installing water-saving toilet cisterns or dual-flush toilets that provide options for different levels of flushing depending on the waste. Alternatively, place a displacement device, such as a water-filled plastic bottle, in the cistern to reduce the amount of water used per flush.
7. Fixtures and Appliances: Upgrading to water-efficient fixtures and appliances can make a substantial difference in water consumption. Look for faucets, showerheads, toilets, and urinals with a Water Efficient Product Label or high water efficiency ratings. These fixtures are designed to deliver adequate performance while using less water.
8. Educate and Involve: Spread awareness about the importance of water conservation among family members, employees, or colleagues. Encourage everyone to adopt water-saving habits and actively participate in water conservation efforts. Simple actions like turning off the tap when not in use or reporting leaks promptly can make a collective impact.
9. Harvest Rainwater: Utilize rainwater for non-potable purposes by implementing a rainwater harvesting system. Rainwater can be collected from roofs and stored in tanks or barrels. This harvested water can then be used for tasks like toilet flushing, garden irrigation, or cleaning outdoor areas, reducing reliance on mains water supply.
10. Monitor Water Usage: Regularly check water meters to monitor water consumption. Keep track of usage patterns and look for any sudden spikes or abnormal patterns that may indicate leaks or inefficiencies. Monitoring water usage helps identify potential issues and allows for timely intervention to address them.

Want to read more? Here is an article on how to calculate your water bill – https://www.energybrokers.co.uk/news/water/water-bill-calculator