Why a Water Audit is Essential

Businesses aiming to enhance their water sustainability and reduce utility expenses have a valuable tool at their disposal – water audits. These assessments involve scrutinising water consumption against what has been billed by the water company to uncover any discrepancies that may have led to incorrect charges over time.

Understanding your water usage is crucial, as ignorance could result in overpayment. A pressing example is the Livermead Cliff Hotel in Torbay, embroiled in a £15,000 dispute with Pennon Water Services due to estimated bills. The hotel contends it was overcharged for several years because its water meter was faulty and left unreplaced by the supplier.

Anthony Rew, the hotel director, revealed that the faulty meter led to overcharges of 7.5 cubic metres per day, exceeding the normal usage of 5.5 cubic metres. Despite the meter’s discovery in 2014, the dispute has persisted for six years, with threats of disconnection looming over the hotel.

To avoid similar predicaments, businesses must gain a comprehensive insight into their water consumption through audits. These assessments can yield up to a 30% reduction in water supply and wastewater disposal charges and potentially result in refunds for historical overcharges, sometimes exceeding £500,000.

The audit process commences with a detailed analysis of historical water bills spanning at least a year across all sites and suppliers. While the task may be arduous, the rewards in gaining control over a significant business overhead are substantial.

Additional information, such as the number of facilities and staff, is often required. Following data collection, a preliminary desktop audit is conducted to pinpoint areas where cost savings can be achieved.

Water-saving strategies encompass rainwater harvesting, grey water reuse, leak detection, and water monitoring using remote equipment to identify leaks promptly. This proactive approach is vital in minimising wastage and expenditure.

For further insights into water audits and the associated business advantages, reach out to the SwitchWaterSupplier.com team today.

This article was featured in the September 2024 edition of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe for more insightful content.