Water usage is a part of life that many people have become more aware of in recent years. Be it in terms of the potential savings cutting water consumption can provide, or as part of an awareness of the effect wasting water can have on the environment, interest in this area is unlikely to dry up anytime soon, says Tony Ellerker

This is not something restricted to the domestic sphere, either. Businesses of any size can benefit from cutting their water consumption.


As customers become more aware of water-saving devices, installers should also make sure that they’re up to date with all the latest technology and understand which devices will work best for a certain premises.


Here’s what you need to know in order to explain the benefits of cutting water consumption to business-owners:


The Benefits of Water Efficiency


It’s easy to take water for granted, given that we have such a seemingly unlimited and immediate access to a clean and fresh supply. Water is a crucial component of industry, agriculture and commerce in the UK, and businesses of all sizes have different water needs. But all could benefit from cutting their water consumption.


Controlling usage and being more efficient can bring businesses substantial benefits:


It saves money – obviously enough, cutting water consumption reduces the amount of money you spend on bills


It reduces their carbon footprint – this helps businesses achieve their carbon reduction targets, especially since Britain became the first country in the world to set legally binding carbon budgets in order to cut UK emissions by at least 80% by 2050.


It’s good for the environment ­– cutting water consumption helps businesses comply with environmental legislation, boosting its environmental performance.


How To Save Water


As much as 90% of water consumption in commercial SME premises can be down to domestic use. In commercial and business premises, major savings can be made by simple changes to your water devices.


Urinal controls



  • Without these controls, as much as 76% of flushing takes place while nobody is present. This is a massive waste of both water and money.

  • New flush control technologies include timers, which can be set to match the time that urinals are being used.

  • Infrared or ultrasound sensors have also been developed which work by detecting the presence of people, providing supplies precisely when required.

  • There are also now many types of waterless urinals, offering potential financial and water savings.



  • These devices screw on to the end of your tap’s spout and can reduce the flow of water by up to 50% by injecting air into the stream.

  • The technology is simple – the aerators limit the amount of water through the tap, but the addition of tiny air bubbles gives the impression of increased water pressure.


Water-saving taps ­



  • There are two types of water-saving tap: self-closing push taps and battery-operated touch taps.

  • Self-closing taps cut the water supply so that taps are not left running. These are easy to install, replacing only the original headwork.

  • Battery-operated touch taps start when the top of the tap is touched and will stop after an adjustable time period.


Water-saving showerheads



  • If a company has showering facilities on their premises, water-saving showerheads are a great way to cut water consumption. Like tap aerators, some mix air with the water, while others actually pulsate the water to give the effect of higher pressure.


Tony Ellerker is director of Blakes M&E Building Services.


Image courtesy of Shutterstock/Nikkytok