Water, water, everywhere?

With the south-east of England and East Anglia already in the grip of a serious drought and more northern parts of the country likely to also be affected, water efficiency is coming to the fore. Keri Reynolds explains how advances in washroom technology mean businesses can save water without compromising hygiene

Saving water is an essential part of many organisation's environmental programmes but this year it is an even more important priority as the prospect of summer hosepipe bans for the UK makes the news. On 20 February, the Environment Secretary announced that the south east of England had officially moved into drought status.

According to the Environment Agency: 'This is due to the combination of persistent dry weather and the continuing decline in groundwater levels and river flows, increasing the risk to public water supplies, agriculture and the environment.' By taking a 'greener' approach your company, customers, staff and the wider community all benefit. In its water efficiency publication Waterwise, the Environment Agency states that many organisations pay higher water costs than necessary, and that by implementing simple water management plans, firms could reduce their water consumption by up to 80%. The agency also gives some tips on conserving water in your business, including: Always monitor how much water you use and compare use on a regular basis Manufacturing companies should compare water use against production output and service sector companies should compare use against staff numbers Ensure pipes are well insulated against frost Keep water-using equipment well maintained and check it periodically for leaks Look at alternative water sources such as using rainwater and greywater (waste water generated from domestic activities such as laundry, dishwashing and bathing) Encourage staff to report leaks and ensure any leaks are repaired quickly When buying new equipment take its water efficiency into account Fit water minimising controls where possible e.g. push taps, flow regulator/restrictors, cistern displacement devices, spray nozzles on hoses, low-flush toilets and sensoractivated urinal flushing The washroom is somewhere that energy saving schemes can easily be put into action and PHS has a range of water saving products that have delivered results for companies and organisations across the UK. For example, the SMARTdri hand dryer is an extremely energy-efficient hand dryer, using 90% less energy than traditional versions, drying hands in just 10 seconds; the Flush-wiser WC Flush Control saves up to three litres of water per flush and is approved by the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS); and Saver Tap converts taps to a push option to prevent them from being left running.

Companies that have used these products report they deliver tangible results without compromising on performance. Ben Lain, operations manager for The Lewis Partnership, said: "Installing Flush-wiser has been a really positive step in improving our environmental rating. The installation was very efficient and there has been no loss in water pressure or compromising of flush hygiene." Cost efficiencies are another huge benefit, as Gordon Ogilvie, property and estates manager for Elwood College, Scotland, explains: "I am very pleased with the energy and cost savings that we have made from installing SMARTdri hand dryers, and I have calculated that this change alone should make a projected saving of over £4,000 in the first year." By installing this sort of equipment in washrooms companies really can start to achieve their business and environmental ambitions. So, if you want to save money, time and energy, impress your staff and customers, and do your bit to save the planet, water management in your washrooms is a step in the right direction.

Keri Reynolds is the marketing manager for PHS Washrooms.