This excellent water saving guide deals with a number of issues faced by industrial and commercial organisations wishing to identify and implement measures to reduce water use and save money through overall waste minimisation. While water costs may appear insignificant, the true cost is considerably higher than the basic charges for supplying water and discharging effluent. Pumping, maintenance, capital depreciation and treatment costs should also be considered, as well as the value of lost materials.
Water and effluent charges
Inappropriate use of water could cost a company 1% of its turnover, with half being technically and cost-effectively recoverable. Minimising the ‘hidden costs’ alongside water purchase costs and effluent charges would save GB£10,000/year for a company with a GB£2 million annual turnover.
Contents of the guide
This good practice guide outlines a systematic approach to reducing the costs associated with water use and wastewater disposal. This procedure, which can be incorporated into existing management systems, stresses the importance of:
- involving all members of staff from senior management to plant operators
- developing a clear, easily understood plan
- determining the true costs of water consumption and wastewater generation
- identifying all water inputs and outputs
- drawing up a water mass balance
- allocating annual water consumption between major users
- brainstorming to generate water saving ideas
- implementing all feasible options
- maintaining savings
The guide also explains that reducing water consumption is both compatible and consistent with reducing contaminant concentrations. The approach needed to minimise water consumption successfully is also applicable to reducing contaminant levels in wastewater and may produce additional cost benefits.
The potential cost savings and other benefits of reducing water consumption are highlighted in a series of industry examples… request a copy of the full document >>
