Essex & Suffolk Water is working closely with local businesses and their water retailers to reduce water use as drought conditions are set to continue into the autumn.
Businesses such as car washes, data centres, factories and local authorities are being encouraged to reduce their demand and cut water waste, as the hot, dry weather continues to place pressure on water resources and the environment.
After a temporary use ban was introduced on August 3, household customers have done a fantastic job of reducing water demand.
The water company is now partnering with water retailers and businesses across the region to help save even more precious resources.
Water demand from businesses has already dropped by over 15%across Essex and Suffolk since the restrictions came into effect - but with only 5% of average rainfall recorded so far in August, and further hot, dry weather forecast, it’s important that these reductions continue.
Essex & Suffolk Water is assisting local companies with free water efficiency reviews, to see where savings could be made.
It is also helping them to identify and repair leaks - offering grants to help replace older, less efficient fittings and equipment, and sharing practical advice.
The current temporary use ban applies to both household customers, and non-households such as businesses, where water is being used for domestic-type purposes, like watering lawns and cleaning patios and paths.
However, many organisations rely on water to deliver essential services, manufacture products and support local communities.
Commercial car washes, for example, are not generally included within the same restrictions as household car washing because washing vehicles forms an essential part of their business activity.
Yet, Essex & Suffolk Water is engaging with these businesses to remind them of the importance of using water responsibly.
Kieran Ingram, Water Director at Essex & Suffolk Water, said: "We've seen fantastic efforts from customers and businesses across our region to reduce water use since the temporary use ban was introduced, and those actions are making a real difference. It’s really important that our customers continue to use water wisely.
"However, with pressure on water resources continuing, we are asking businesses, charities and public sector organisations to also play their part. Every organisation has an opportunity to reduce demand and help protect essential water supplies as well as our environment.
"We're working closely with non-household customers to identify savings and tackle leaks, but the biggest impact will come from collective action. By finding and fixing leaks, eliminating unnecessary water use and adopting simple water-saving measures, organisations can make a meaningful contribution.
"We thank all our customers for their continued support and encourage everyone to keep water efficiency at the forefront of their operations and daily routines."
To try and help companies save water experts from Essex & Suffolk Water suggest that business owners:
- Regularly check for and repair leaks. Even small leaks can waste significant amounts of water over time and often go unnoticed, particularly across larger sites. A single dripping tap can waste around 5,600 litres of water every year - equivalent to around 80 baths.
- Turn off non-essential water-using equipment overnight.
- Monitor water consumption regularly.
- Review irrigation and outdoor water use.
- Install water-efficient fittings and appliances.
- Follow seasonal water-saving advice throughout the year.
Reservoir stocks remain below normal for this time of year, with levels in Essex currently standing at only 54% full. This includes 49% at Hanningfield Reservoir and 57% at Abberton Reservoir. In Suffolk, Fritton Reservoir is only 49% full and Ormesby is 56%.
For more information about the temporary use ban go to:
For business support and water-saving advice, visit:
Improving Water Efficiency | Save Money On Business Water Usage.