Reducing consumption and protecting supply.
WHY IT MATTERS
Water is a cost, supply is unreliable in many places, and discharge is regulated.
WHERE WATER GOES
Production processes Cleaning and washing Sanitation Cooling Irrigation and grounds Losses through leaks
WHY LEAKS DESERVE ATTENTION FIRST
They consume continuously and invisibly.
HOW TO FIND THEM
Read meters when nothing should be using water.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Baseline overnight consumption.
WHY
Any consumption when the business is closed is a leak.
WHAT TO CHECK
Tanks and float valves Toilets Taps and fittings Underground pipework
WHY OVERFLOWING TANKS
Failed float valves waste enormous volumes without being noticed.
WHAT REDUCES CONSUMPTION
Fixing leaks Efficient fittings and controls Process changes reducing water per unit Reusing water where quality permits Rainwater collection
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT REUSE
Which uses require potable water and which do not.
WHY
Cleaning, flushing and irrigation frequently do not.
WHAT TO BE CAREFUL WITH
Any reuse where contamination could reach people or product.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT DISCHARGE
Where wastewater goes What it contains Whether any treatment or permission is required
WHY
Discharging contaminated water attracts serious consequences.
WHAT TO NEVER DO
Discharge process water or chemicals to drains or watercourses without establishing that it is permitted.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT STORAGE
Capacity sufficient for interruption.
WHY
Water supply failure stops many operations entirely.
WHAT TO MEASURE
Consumption per unit of output.
