10 techniques to improve water efficiency in your business
Monday 2nd June 2025
Making time to optimise your commercial water usage can boost your business sustainability while also cutting costs
What do running a business and running a tap have in common? They both rely heavily on water efficiency.
Today’s businesses must always be conscious of concerns surrounding sustainability and carbon neutrality, and water is one of the key factors within this continual effort. Improving water efficiency can go a long way to reducing the environmental impact of your organisation, while also helping you manage your finances in the face of rising utility costs.
So here are 10 techniques to help improve water efficiency – and therefore sustainability and profits – in your business.
Water audits
Understanding your water usage is the first step towards reducing consumption – and that requires a comprehensive water audit. This simple process can help you identify areas of water waste, highlighting easy opportunities for saving both water and overheads. Analysing your organisation’s water consumption patterns allows you to make informed decisions about the most efficient improvements your business can make.
Water-efficient fixtures
Certain fixtures are designed to use less water while still offering a high performance, including low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets. While they do require an initial investment, upgrading to more water-efficient fixtures can save you significantly in the long run. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that such fixtures can reduce commercial water usage by up to 30%.
Leak detection programs
A leaky tap or pipe might not seem like a big problem, but over time, those small drips and drops can really add up. A leak detection program can help your business identify and repair leaks swiftly, avoiding unnecessary water loss. Be sure to arrange regular maintenance and inspections to make sure your plumbing systems are in good working order.
Cooling systems
In the summer months, cooling systems are commonly used across many commercial premises. Optimising these systems for water efficiency can help you keep all the refreshing benefits while reducing water consumption. Consider recycling water, maintaining equipment, and investing in water-efficient cooling towers to reduce water use across your organisation.
Automatic shut-off valves
Avoid wasting water when your equipment is not being used by installing automatic shut-off valves on faucets and hoses. These help to ensure that water is only used when needed, offering a simple yet effective way to enjoy significant savings in the long run.
Employee engagement and education
Water efficiency is not a one-person job. It requires the backing of everyone within your organisation, so educating staff about the importance of water conservation – and how to do it – is key. Encourage simple water-saving practices to create a culture of sustainability within your business.
Water-saving landscaping techniques
If your business is lucky enough to have some outdoor space, certain landscaping techniques are designed to reduce the toll this takes on your water usage. Try planting drought-resistant plants like lavender, yarrow, or succulents, and applying mulch to retain soil moisture. Efficient irrigation systems can also bring your water usage down.
Recycling and reusing water
Freshwater demand takes its toll on any business’ sustainability efforts, which is why recycling and reusing water is so important. Greywater recycling allows water from showers, washing machines and sinks to be reused in toilet flushing and irrigation, allowing your organisation to lead the way in protecting local water resources.
Monitoring and tracking water usage
Like audits, regular monitoring and tracking of your water usage can give you the knowledge you need to make big improvements. Install smart meters and use data analytics to gain valuable insights into your water usage patterns, helping you make effective sustainability decisions.
Switch business water supplier
If you’re doing everything you can, perhaps the problem is your water supplier. Businesses have the power to switch business water supplier to a provider of their choosing, and this can lead to both cost savings and better service. Shop around and consider a business water switch that aligns more with your business’ sustainability values, cutting costs and water usage in the process.
