Save Water - Save Money
Water is often the
“forgotten resource” – it is so essential that we pay for it
without question, yet demand for water is growing and in some parts
of the UK supplies are under increasing pressure. In
2007/2008, the UK water industry emitted five million tonnes of
greenhouse gases through treating and supplying clean water and
dealing with wastewater and sewage (EA - Limiting Climate
Change).
There is currently no
legal duty to conserve water but it does make environmental and
financial sense not to waste it, particularly if you consider that
you pay for water twice – for supply of clean drinkable water and
for the removal of waste water.
As is the case with
energy use, the best way to ascertain how to save water is to do a
walk-round of your site and to identify where and how water is
being used. This site audit, combined with meter readings, will
also help to highlight any maintenance issues which may also be
costing you money. Any leaking water pipes on your property are
your responsibility so you should look out for any patches of
particularly lush vegetation for example, as this could be a sign
that there is a water pipe leak.
It is important to
monitor water bills so that you have some idea of average water use
for your business over the year. Water use may increase in the
summer as boats are washed down more frequently. By monitoring your
meter and bills you will be able to see if there are any
unexplainable increases in usage which could also indicate a water
leak.
The main areas where a
boating business will be using water are on the pontoons for
washing boats and refilling water tanks, in showers/toilets, and in
tenants building. The potential for water savings in showers and
toilet facilities can be significant and simple low cost devices
can be installed which will save water and reduce bills. Many
devices such as low flow shower heads and percussion taps provide
savings which will quickly cover their initial cost, in some cases
within only a couple of months.
It is helpful to conduct
a water audit on a regular basis so that any leaks can be quickly
spotted and repaired, water saving measures can be evaluated
and further measures identified.
Best Practice Advice Leaflets & Resources Marine Toolkit
|
| |