How to Reduce Your Business Water Footprint

Water is one of the most critical resources for businesses, yet many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) unknowingly waste large amounts of it.

Reducing your business’s water footprint isn’t just about sustainability—it’s also a smart financial decision. By cutting down on water consumption, companies can lower utility bills, improve efficiency, and enhance their reputation as environmentally responsible businesses. With increasing environmental regulations and growing consumer awareness, businesses that proactively manage their water use can gain a competitive edge in their industry.

In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies SMEs can implement to measure, manage, and reduce their water footprint.

A business’s water footprint is the total amount of water it consumes—both directly and indirectly. Direct water use includes daily operational activities such as cleaning, manufacturing, and cooling processes. Indirect water use comes from supply chains, raw material extraction, and outsourced services. Many companies overlook indirect water consumption, yet it often accounts for the largest portion of their total water footprint.

Understanding your water footprint is essential for making meaningful reductions. It allows businesses to identify inefficiencies, set realistic conservation goals, and take targeted action. Reducing water waste benefits businesses by lowering operational costs, ensuring compliance with regulations, and enhancing brand reputation. Customers, investors, and partners are increasingly looking to work with companies that demonstrate strong environmental responsibility.

In short, reducing your business’s water footprint offers several benefits, including:

• Lower operational costs by decreasing water and energy expenses.
• Compliance with environmental regulations that may become stricter in the future.
• Enhanced reputation as a sustainability-conscious brand.

The first step in reducing your water footprint is understanding where your business is using the most water. A Water Audit helps identify inefficiencies, leaks, and excessive water use, providing valuable insights into areas for improvement. Conducting a water audit involves several key steps:

1. Track Your Water Bills – Reviewing your water bills over the past year helps identify consumption patterns, seasonal fluctuations, and any unusual spikes that could indicate leaks or inefficient water use.

2. Inspect Your Facilities – Walk through your office, factory, or retail space to examine plumbing, restrooms, kitchens, and cooling systems. Identifying leaks or outdated fixtures can lead to quick and effective savings.

3. Use Smart Meters – Installing smart water meters allows businesses to monitor real-time water consumption and detect anomalies early.

4. Benchmark Against Industry Standards – Comparing your business’s water usage with industry averages can help set realistic conservation goals and identify areas where improvements are needed.

By completing a thorough audit, businesses can pinpoint where they are using the most water and develop targeted strategies to reduce waste. See successful case studies from companies here. 

Once you’ve identified areas of waste, you can implement the following water-saving strategies:

• Upgrade to Water-Efficient Fixtures: Outdated fixtures can waste significant amounts of water. Installing low-flow toilets, sensor-based faucets, and aerated taps can reduce water usage by up to 50% without compromising functionality.
• Fix Leaks Immediately: Even minor leaks can result in thousands of litres of wasted water per year. Regularly checking pipes, taps, and water-based appliances can prevent water loss and reduce costs.
• Recycle and Reuse Water: Greywater recycling systems allow businesses to reuse water from sinks, showers, and washing machines for non-drinking purposes, such as irrigation and toilet flushing. Rainwater harvesting can also supplement water supply for landscaping or cooling systems.
• Educate Employees: Encouraging staff to adopt water-conscious habits, such as turning off taps when not in use, using water-efficient dishwashing techniques, and reporting leaks, can lead to significant savings.

Different industries have unique water-saving opportunities:

• Manufacturing: Optimise cooling systems by using recirculating water instead of single-use cooling. Implement dry processing methods where possible.
• Hospitality & Restaurants: Encourage employees to use water wisely in restrooms and break areas. Install motion-sensor faucets and efficient water dispensers.
• Offices & Retail: Encourage employees to use water wisely in restrooms and break areas.
• Agriculture & Landscaping: Implement drip irrigation systems instead of traditional sprinklers to reduce water waste. Choose native or drought-resistant plants that require less watering.

To ensure long-term sustainability, SMEs should implement structured water management plans. This includes:

• Setting water conservation goals and monitoring progress through regular audits.
• Taking advantage of government incentives that provide rebates or grants for businesses adopting water-efficient technologies.
• Working with sustainable suppliers that prioritise responsible water use.
• Earning green certifications (e.g., LEED, ISO 14001) to showcase a commitment to water conservation.

Reducing your business’s water footprint is both an environmental responsibility and a financial opportunity. By taking simple, cost-effective measures, SMEs can significantly cut water usage, lower expenses, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Start today by conducting a water audit and identifying areas for improvement. Explore water-saving technologies and educate your team to create a culture of conservation. Head over to our Water Hub  for more information.