Industry is one of the
largest consumers of water. Water is used for processes as diverse
as mixing, cooling, boiler feed and plant wash-down as well as for
washrooms and other sanitary uses.
Unlike most residential properties, industry and business in the
UK are subject to compulsory metering. With the cost of mains
water, sewerage and trade effluent rising, businesses are
increasingly conscious of the substantial water, and therefore
cost, savings that water reuse and water conservation can achieve.
For example the five finalists in the Industry category of the 2005
Water Efficiency Awards were able to cut water consumption by
between 25 and 98% by adopting a combination of water reuse and
conservation strategies. Enhanced Capital Allowances, a UK
Government initiative, promotes this sustainable solution and
provides tax incentives for water saving and rainwater devices;
there is also a proposal to include water reuse as well. In
addition to these water cost savings other potential benefits
to industry include:
- avoiding water restrictions imposed during periods of
drought
- reduced energy and chemical costs through recycling
- removing the need for discharge consents
- good publicity opportunity
- improved company image and reputation amongst the public,
customers and own workforce
- helping to achieve certified environmental accreditation (e.g.
ISO 14001)
- fulfilling corporate social responsibility commitments
For further information read the CIWEM briefing report:
Water reuse: A Sustainable Alternative Water Supply for
Industry in the UK, downloadable from the documents
sidetab.
