How can businesses help to save water?
Water shortages are a major issue in Columbia and around the world. Droughts and fires are just two of the problems associated with a diminished water supply, and communities around the globe suf-fer from a lack of water. Closer to home, the price of water always seems to be rising, putting a strain on finances and hurting the environment.
Action begins at the source, and there are a few steps that businesses can take to cut down on their water usage.
Run a water audit
A water audit is a go-to strategy for making a business more water-efficient. Audits involve hiring a professional engineer who will inspect your business, looking for everything from leaks to inefficient appliances. Their report will include tips on how to make better use of your water supply, perhaps by diverting flow from rainwater or fitting water-saving devices. At the end of the audit, you'll receive a report listing a set of suggested measures and how much money you could save if you were to im-plement them. Most water audits can be completed in a day, but the insight you gain is invaluable.
Switch suppliers
Switching suppliers is sometimes considered a purely financial measure. By changing to a new con-tract, your business will be able to save money on its bills, but the advantages run deeper than that. Using a comparison service like Utility Bidder, you'll be able to find a water supplier that's better tai-lored to your business's individualistic needs. That means a more efficient, less wasteful service. You'll also get advice and aid to help you become more efficient with your supply, so it's always worth run-ning a comparison. More than just a cost-cutting exercise, switching suppliers can help you save wa-ter and protect the planet.
Install water saving devices
These are varied, and there's a lot to choose from. Water-saving devices on toilet cisterns are popular, and these can sometimes save up to three liters of water per flush. Some businesses go much further and install water butts on the roof. These collect rainwater (sometimes as much as 200 liters of it), de-creasing the amount of treated water you need to use. The possibilities are nearly endless, and there's almost certainly a solution to fit every business, regardless of cost.
Monitor consumption
Last but certainly not least, businesses should be monitoring not just how much water they use but where exactly they're using it. A smart meter is one way to do this, and these devices are growing in popularity. They'll alert you to how much water you're using and when, as well as the appliances that are proving the most costly. By monitoring your water supply regularly and keeping track of the sys-tem, you'll be able to cut down on water-intensive activities, and you might even identify some leaks. Understanding exactly what is placing a burden on your water supply is the first step towards making a change as it lets you know exactually where changes need to be made.