As water costs continue to rise, many businesses are finding themselves paying more than they expected. For something that feels like a basic and unavoidable expense, water bills can quickly add up, especially when consumption is higher than necessary. But there are some straightforward actions you can take to bring those costs down, without having to make drastic changes to your operations.
Check Your Current Supplier and Tariff
One of the easiest ways to start saving on your business’s water costs is to have a look at your current supplier and tariff. Just like with electricity and gas, water providers offer different tariffs, and you may not be on the best deal for your needs. It’s worth taking the time to review your current terms, especially if your contract has been rolling over for some time.
Water suppliers have become more competitive in recent years, and the market is deregulated, meaning you can shop around for a better deal. If you’ve never compared suppliers, you might be paying more than necessary. Many water companies offer online tools that allow you to get an idea of your expected water usage costs, making it easier to see if there’s a more competitive price available. It’s a great idea to compare the water prices for your business among all the options.
If your current supplier isn’t offering the best deal, switching could help you save quite a bit. Look at the unit cost for water, but don’t forget about other charges that may be hidden in your bill, such as standing fees or waste water charges. Switching suppliers can give you the chance to lower your overall costs, and in some cases, you might also gain access to better customer service or more flexible billing options.
Improve Water Efficiency in Your Business
Another key strategy for reducing water costs is to focus on improving the efficiency of your water usage. The good news is that you don’t have to make huge investments to start saving money. Often, small changes can have a big impact, especially when it comes to reducing water consumption in areas where it’s used most.
Start by identifying the areas where your business uses the most water. This could be in kitchens, bathrooms, or areas where you have machinery running that requires water. In many cases, simple upgrades can help you use less water without affecting your daily operations. For example, low-flow taps and water-efficient toilets can significantly reduce water usage in staff areas and public restrooms. While these changes may seem small, the savings can really add up over time.
If your business involves a lot of cleaning, such as in a café, restaurant, or warehouse, make sure your equipment is running as efficiently as possible. For instance, using dishwashers or washing machines that are designed to use less water can reduce consumption without compromising cleanliness. Similarly, consider upgrading to high-pressure, low-water cleaning systems for tasks that require washing down large areas or equipment.
Routine maintenance is another effective way to prevent unnecessary water waste. Leaks, whether from taps or toilets, are often overlooked, but they can be costing you more than you realise. Taking the time to check for leaks and repairing them promptly will prevent water from being wasted and help keep your bills in check. If your business uses a lot of water, consider installing a water meter to track your consumption more closely and identify any unusual patterns that may signal inefficiencies.
By combining a review of your water supplier with a few small improvements in how your business uses water, you can start to see real savings. These steps don’t require a lot of effort or expense, but they can make a significant difference to your bottom line, especially as water costs continue to rise.
