Running a business and handling expenses go hand in hand. There are a number of things you’ll have to pay out for each month. Whether it’s gas, electricity, rent, or payroll, one expense that’s often overlooked is water. Many business owners aren’t actually aware of just how much water they use on a day-to-day basis. For example, if you operate in an office, there’s always a tap running to fill the kettle or the toilet flushing in the bathroom.
If you find your business water bill is skyrocketing, there are things you can do about it. Rather than getting yourself worked up, it may be time to take a step back and look at ways on how you can reduce water usage across the board. The good news is you don’t have to do this on your own as we’re here to help! Here are some great examples of how you can lower your water consumption, which will surely save you some cash too.
Monitor Your Water Consumption
The first step towards saving money on your business water and lowering your usage is by monitoring, monitoring, and monitoring some more. The best way to do this is by using a smart meter. This can track exactly how much water your business uses each day, as well as areas you can focus on to make potential savings.
Smart meters can also give you more accurate water bills. This means if you definitely believe you’re paying over the odds on your water, installing a smart meter in your business is a no-brainer. Make sure that you monitor your water bills closely each month. This will make it easier to spot causes for concern and water consumption patterns.
And if you are a company that handles water pollutants you may want to research who uses epa swmm. This is the best way to effectively reduce or prevent the discharge of pollutants into receiving waters with best management practices (BMPs).
Switch Water Supplier
If you’re serious about reducing your business water usage, it may be time to look at switching water suppliers. Of course, you’ll want to get the best water rates you can, so don’t be afraid to make the move to a different provider. Switching can provide an array of benefits, and most importantly, save you money.
You can check out providers like The Business Water Shop who compare a variety of competitive water rates. They can help you find the best deal on the market and specialise in business water savings. Whichever water supplier you opt for, make sure they are reputable, reliable, and have positive customer reviews. When you switch, we can guarantee you wish you would have done it sooner!
Never Run Appliances on Half Loads
If you work in the hospitality industry, you’ll be all too aware of how many appliances run simultaneously to get the job done. The dishwasher for example will always be on to ensure everything ticks along nicely. However, there are measures you can take which can save how much water you use and save cash too.
Firstly, never run appliances on half loads. If you run a half empty dishwasher cycle, you’ll end up using more water over time, which is never a good thing. Although you may have to wait longer, it’s always best to have a full load before using your dishwasher. The same goes for washing machines. If you work in an industry that uses them on a daily basis, always put a full load of clothes in.
Install Water-Saving Measures
Thanks to technology, there are many water-saving measures you can install and enforce in your business. To prevent unnecessary water usage, it’s wise to begin by using a water-saving device in your toilet cistern. Doing this can potentially save you between 1 and 3 litres every time you flush the toilet. The amount you save will depend on the size of your cistern.
You may even decide on fitting a water butt. This is great for collecting rainwater off your roof. In general, a water butt can store roughly 200 litres of water. If you have plants in the office, a water butt can be great for watering them. Lastly, installing a motion sensor on sink taps will mean they aren’t left running should an employee forget to switch it off.
Talk to Your Employees
While there are a lot of measures business owners can take for reducing water usage and saving money, if you employ others in your company, it’s time to hold a meeting. Everyone has a part to play in this instance. It’s your responsibility to address any changes you’re making so every member of staff knows what protocol to follow and actions to steer clear of.
For employees to get on board and share the same sentiment as you, make sure to offer regular training, guidance, and provide guides on what should happen water-wise within your business. You’ll need to explain your goals clearly and why they’ve been put in place. When each member of the company follows suit, you’ll soon be on the way to saving a substantial amount of water and money. If any staff need further clarification, make sure you effectively communicate with them and hold meetings so they can fully understand the benefits of reducing business water usage.
Identify and Fix Leaks
If there is a leak in your business water pipes, it can quickly turn catastrophic and be costing you an obscene amount of money. The problem with water leaks is you may not even know it’s happening. If there is a drip somewhere hidden, the only sign you may spot is if your water bill is rising month by month.
Any causes for concern you may have should be addressed straightaway. You may not know what you’re looking for regarding leaks, so it’s best to call in a professional. A dripping faucet can lose up to 20 gallons of water each day. While your smart meter can detect water leaks, there may be problems that even the best technology can’t identify. If you spot any excessive or irregular water usage, the chances are you’ve got a leak that needs to be fixed!
Consider Recycled Water
For those who run a manufacturing company, you can save a ton of cash by switching to recycled water. The question on your lips will probably be, how does water recycling work? The answer is simple. Water recycling is comprised of facilities that collect wastewater, stormwater, or grey water. This is then cleaned and returned for use in industrial operations.
One great thing about using recycled water is you’ll be doing your bit for the planet. Many businesses are taking the plunge and going green, so why not become the next one to jump on board? Advanced water recycling machines can cut your energy output significantly and save your organisation money.
Ultimately, the amount of water you use will depend on the nature and size of your company. However, with the tips listed above, you’ll soon get to learn about your business water usage and strategies you can take to lower your consumption.
When reducing business water rates, you can save tons of cash. This money can be put into other areas of the business. Whether it’s by switching water suppliers, changing your fixtures, or getting the whole team on board, reducing your water usage can only be beneficial for your business going forward.