Water Scarcity in the UK: How Businesses Can Help Secure Our Future
Recent data from the Environment Agency has highlighted a critical challenge facing the UK: by 2050, we will need an additional 5 billion litres of water every day to support our growing population, economy, and environment. That’s equivalent to over two million wheelie bins of water daily, on top of what we already use.
A Growing Concern
Many areas of England are already experiencing water shortages. In parts of Sussex, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, and Norfolk, increased demands from businesses and new housing developments are putting significant pressure on water resources.
Climate change and population growth are only intensifying these challenges. As the Environment Agency states, “Our current water provision is not enough to see us into the future.”
The Business Impact
For businesses across all sectors, this situation presents both challenges and opportunities:
- Supply Risk: Water shortages can disrupt operations and increase costs
- Regulatory Changes: Expect stricter requirements around water usage
- Rising Costs: As water becomes scarcer, expect prices to increase
- Reputational Considerations: Customers and stakeholders increasingly value sustainable water practices
How Businesses Can Contribute to the Solution
The Environment Agency emphasises that tackling water scarcity requires collective action. While water companies are implementing large-scale initiatives like new reservoirs, desalination, and water recycling, businesses play a crucial role in the immediate solution through water efficiency and alternative water sources.
1. Implement Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Rainwater harvesting offers an excellent opportunity to reduce reliance on mains water:
How it works:
- Collection systems capture rainfall from roofs and hard surfaces
- First-flush diverters remove initial contaminated run-off
- Filtration systems remove debris and contaminants
- Storage tanks hold water until needed (underground or above-ground options)
- Pumps and distribution systems deliver water where required
Benefits for businesses:
- Reduce mains water consumption by 40-50% for typical commercial buildings
- Lower water bills and drainage charges
- Provide emergency water backup during supply interruptions
- Reduce flood risk by managing storm-water run-off
- Qualify for potential tax benefits and enhanced capital allowances
- Contribute to sustainability targets and environmental certifications
Typical applications:
- Toilet flushing (requires minimal treatment)
- Irrigation and landscape maintenance
- Vehicle washing and equipment cleaning
- Cooling tower makeup water
- Industrial processes not requiring potable water
2. Explore Alternative Water Sources
Depending on your location and needs, consider:
Borehole Installation:
- Access groundwater from aquifers beneath your property
- Provides independent, reliable water supply unaffected by hosepipe bans
- Significantly reduces or eliminates reliance on mains water
- Typically delivers consistent water quality and temperature
- Initial investment offset by substantial long-term savings
- Professional surveys can determine viability for your specific location
Greywater Recycling:
- Captures and treats lightly contaminated wastewater from hand basins, showers, and laundry
- Simple systems can divert water directly to irrigation (with appropriate precautions)
- Advanced systems treat water for reuse in toilets and other non-potable applications
- Can reduce mains water consumption by 30-35% in facilities with shower facilities
- Particularly effective in hotels, leisure centres, and residential care settings
- Complements rainwater harvesting for comprehensive water management
Spring and Surface Water Capture:
- Utilise natural water sources on your property (where legally permitted)
- Treatment systems ensure water meets quality requirements
- Can provide substantial volumes of water with minimal energy requirements
- Professional assessment required to ensure sustainability and compliance
- Particularly suitable for rural businesses and agricultural applications
3. Identify and Fix Leaks
Millions of litres are lost daily through leaking pipes, toilets, taps, and urinals. Regular inspections and prompt repairs can save substantial amounts of water and reduce costs.
4. Upgrade to Efficient Equipment
Consider replacing older equipment with water-efficient alternatives:
- Low-flow taps and showerheads
- Water-efficient toilets and urinals
- Modern, efficient cooling systems
- Smart irrigation systems for landscaped areas
5. Monitor Usage with Smart Meters
The Environment Agency emphasises that smart water meters “will be a key enabler of water efficiency activities.” These devices help identify unusual usage patterns that might indicate leaks and provide valuable data for optimising consumption.
The Benefits of Taking Action
Addressing water efficiency offers multiple advantages:
- Cost Savings: Reduced water bills and associated energy costs
- Environmental Protection: Preserving vital natural resources
- Regulatory Compliance: Staying ahead of increasing regulations
- Enhanced Reputation: Demonstrating environmental responsibility to customers and stakeholders
Get Started with a Water Audit and Water Solutions
At Aqua Engineering, we understand the growing pressure on UK water resources. Our comprehensive services help businesses identify opportunities for water conservation, alternative water sourcing, and cost reduction.
Our expert team specialises in both water efficiency solutions and alternative water sources, including rainwater harvesting, borehole installation, and water treatment systems. These solutions can significantly reduce your reliance on mains water while ensuring you have the quality and quantity of water your business needs.
Our water audit service can quickly identify areas of waste, providing you with the means for immediate cost reduction—sometimes without any upfront investment. With our affordable services, businesses of all sizes stand to benefit from improved sustainability as well as financial advantages.
A water audit from Aqua Engineering includes:
- Detailed assessment of your current water usage
- Identification of inefficiencies and leaks
- Evaluation of alternative water source opportunities specific to your site
- Expert recommendations for rainwater harvesting and other water capture solutions
- Potential cost savings calculations for various water solutions
- Liaison with your supplier on your behalf
Our comprehensive approach to water management can potentially save your business thousands of pounds each year while helping to secure the UK’s water future.
Don’t wait for water scarcity to impact your business. Contact Aqua Engineering today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation to discuss how we can help you reduce your water footprint and costs.
Sources: Environment Agency, “Meeting our Water Needs for the Next 25 Years,” March 2024
