Essex & Suffolk Water, part of Northumbrian Water which operates in the south east of England, is working closely with local businesses and their water retailers to reduce water use as drought conditions are set to continue into the autumn.
Businesses such as car washes, data centres, factories and local authorities are being encouraged to reduce their demand and cut water waste, as the hot, dry weather continues to place pressure on water resources and the environment. Commercial car washes are not generally included within the same restrictions as household car washing because washing vehicles forms an essential part of their business activity.
The water company introduced a Temporary Use Ban on 3 August and is now partnering with water retailers and businesses across the region to help save even more precious resources.
Water demand from businesses has already dropped by over 15% across Essex and Suffolk since the restrictions came into effect - but with only 5% of average rainfall recorded so far in August, and further hot, dry weather forecast, the utility says it is important that the reductions continue.
Essex & Suffolk Water is also helping companies to identify and repair leaks - offering grants to help replace older, less efficient fittings and equipment, and sharing practical advice.
The current temporary use ban applies to both household customers, and non-households such as businesses, where water is being used for domestic-type purposes, like watering lawns and cleaning patios and paths.
Kieran Ingram, Water Director at Essex & Suffolk Water, said:
"We've seen fantastic efforts from customers and businesses across our region to reduce water use since the temporary use ban was introduced, and those actions are making a real difference. It’s really important that our customers continue to use water wisely.
"However, with pressure on water resources continuing, we are asking businesses, charities and public sector organisations to also play their part. Every organisation has an opportunity to reduce demand and help protect essential water supplies as well as our environment.
"We're working closely with non-household customers to identify savings and tackle leaks, but the biggest impact will come from collective action. By finding and fixing leaks, eliminating unnecessary water use and adopting simple water-saving measures, organisations can make a meaningful contribution. “
Reservoir stocks in the region remain below normal for this time of year, with levels in Essex currently standing at only 54% full. This includes 49% at Hanningfield Reservoir and 57% at Abberton Reservoir. In Suffolk, Fritton Reservoir is only 49% full and Ormesby is 56%.
Albion Water, the first NAV (New Appointment & Variation) to have been established in1999 and now under the ownership of SDS Water Group, has appointed Andy Holland as its new Director of Business Development.
UK water companies are invited to join an upcoming webinar which will explore how the sector can take indirect potable reuse (IPR) from concept to full-scale operational reality.
James Sumsion, CEO of predictive water intelligence specialists Kohtari, says the water sector needs to take a giant leap forward, so that it can anticipate and act upon water quality issues - rather than merely react.
Ray Moulds, Sales Director at Flood Control International, takes a look at how automated sliding floodgates are supporting secondary containment at water and sewerage company sites.
Hear how Scottish Water has completed its £235 million Ayrshire Glasgow Resilience Project - customers across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire will now benefit from a more secure and resilient water supply.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.