Highlighting water saving
May 12th 2009 July 2009 sees the UK’s first ever Water Saving Week. Shawn Coles of newly formed Carbon Neutral Media, founder and formerly co-publisher of Water Efficient Solutions explains why a national awareness week is needed
It has been known for some time that our water resources are at times stretched with the tell tale signs of hosepipe bans. The increasing population and effects of climate change have put some parts of the UK under extreme pressure.
The South East has less rainfall per head of population that parts of the Middle East, for example, Sudan. However, it is not just the South East that has these problems, as 16 out of the 22 water regions in England, 10 of which are referred to as serious, are classified as water stressed according to the Environment Agency. Overall, the UK has less water available per person than any other EU country apart from Belgium and Cyprus.
Energy Efficiency has, since 2001 when the UK governments Climate Change Programme was launched, taken centre stage in respect of Climate Change. Yet any good energy consultant will tell you that the first area you should look at, when trying to reduce your utility consumption, is water. It is relatively cost effective to reduce your water consumption making payback periods attractive plus with the aid of enhanced capital allowances purchasing from the Water Technology List makes the case of water saving financialy sound.
As more and more areas become water stressed and the price of water increases year on year it is time to raise the profile of water saving,hence the establishment of Water Saving Week. Indeed in the budget Alistair Darling stated that “..making more efficient use of water resources is key to adapting to future changes in the climate”.
Companies can pay as much as 1% of their annual turnover on water supply and sewerage charges, for many companies this amounts to tens if not hundreds of thousands of pounds. Companies who have not yet taken a serious look into water saving can achieve around a 30% reduction in their water bill often with little investment. There can also be positive knock on effects such as a reduction in water sewerage charges and energy saving benefits.
“Helpful information, practical tips and good advice is what businesses need”, says Coles. The website www.watersavingweek.org.uk gives a wealth of information. Businesses can also complete a quick online water saving pledge which will go toward a national total. Companies who pledge will be acknowledged on the site during Water Saving Week, it is hoped that this publicly available information will encourage companies to get involved.
“Reducing consumption of water is a priority for anyone who is concerned about their impact on the environment. Water Saving Week 2009 (17th -23rd July) is an excellent opportunity for households and businesses alike to consider their water consumption and how best to reduce it, through sensible and sustainable measures”.
Water Industry Commission for Scotland Alan Sutherland, Chief Executive “I am really happy to be supporting Water Saving Week; too often we take water for granted in our country, I hope that this week causes us to wake up and seriously consider how we can save this precious commodity”. Tim Farron MP,Defra Shadow Secretary of State More articles from Water Efficient Solutions Support: | 
