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 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 (1). Enhanced Capital Allowances, a UK Government initiative, promotes this sustainable solution and provides tax incentives for water saving and rainwater devices (2); 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
Case studies
United Milk plc, Wiltshire, England
Yorktown oil refinery, Virginia, USA
References
(1) Environment Agency. Water Efficiency Awards 2005. http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/waterres/286587/746671/?version=1&lang=_e
(2) Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme (2005) http://www.eca-water.gov.uk
(3) Environment Agency. Waterwise: Good for business and good for the environment.
(4) Envirowise (2005) http://www.envirowise.gov.uk/
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