Water Resources and

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Water Resources and Efficiency in Business
Jessica Durkota and Stacia Staunton July 2006
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Outline

• water use and efficiency
• benefits of water efficiency
• how to be water efficient
• case study
• recognition for water efficiency
• questions and discussion

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Water use
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Components of Water Efficiency
Water Efficiency
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Benefits of water efficiency

• reduce operating costs
• establish Green Credentials
• increased market access
• reduce environmental impact
• drought

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Steps towards water efficiency

• appoint a member of staff to lead on water issues
• install a water meter
• undertake a water audit
• develop a water management plan
• set a benchmark to use less water each period
• monitor progress and set new targets regularly

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Make your business more water efficient

• develop a Water Management Plan
• undertake a water audit overnight to help find
  leaks
• consider a greywater /rainwater harvesting system
  which can save between 5 and 36 per cent of water
  usage
• consult your customers and their potential green
  advice and experience

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In the home

• refit modern toilets
• refit push or spray taps and water efficient
  shower heads
• install save-a-flush or HIPPO into your
  cistern (contact your water company for free
  sample)
• have a water meter installed
• only run the dishwasher or washing machine if the
  load is full or use the half-load button
• purchase washing machines or dishwashers that
  have the European Eco-Label (pasted here)

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In the garden

• only plant drought tolerant plants such as Holly,
  Geranium and Poppy - more information on the
  Royal Horticultural Society website
  www.rhs.org.uk
• use mulch
• install a water butt - website www.sw2u.co.uk,
  www.southeastwater.co.uk
• only water plants during the early morning or
  late evening to minimise evaporation

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Case Study - WaterEfficiency working for your
business

• Fernhill Primary School Water Management
• cistern displacement devices
• retrofit dual-flush devices in the WCs
• self-closing taps in washroom hand basins
• 34 reduction in water use
• annual financial savings in excess of 370
• 18-month payback period

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Recognition

• EMAS (Eco-Management Audit Scheme), building on
  ISO14001 www.emas.org.uk
• Green Tourism Business Scheme, environmental
  accreditation with over 500 members in the UK
  www.green-business.co.uk

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Recognition (cont.)

• The big splash, support recognition
  www.envirowise.gov.uk
• Environment Agency Water Efficiency Awards 2007,
  submit your entries by 31st August 2006!! (ask
  for an application pack) www.environment-agency.go
  v.uk

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Questions?

• Contact us for additional information or to
  receive copies of publications for
  display/distribution at your business.
• Jessica Durkota - Technical and Regulatory
  Officer, jessica.durkota_at_environment-agency.gov.uk
  
• 01903 703919
• Stacia Staunton - External Relations Officer,
  stacia.staunton_at_environment-agency.gov.uk
• 01903 703977