Could hybrid and remote working be changing your business water footprint?

Does a quieter office mean a lower water bill?

Fewer people in the office might mean fewer toilet flushes, less water used in the kitchens and reduced demand for washing facilities. However, that doesn’t automatically translate into proportionate savings.

Many offices were designed for full occupancy, with water systems and facilities built to accommodate a busy workforce. Fixed water and wastewater charges may also remain, regardless of how many desks are occupied.

Other systems, such as cooling equipment and building maintenance facilities, may continue using water even when employee numbers are lower. There’s also the risk of problems going unnoticed. A leaking pipe or running toilet in a quieter part of the building could waste considerable amounts of water before somebody spots it.

What about low-use water systems?

Recently, on the Everflow blog, we’ve talked about Legionella and Legionnaire’s disease. When an office is empty or sees reduced use, water can stagnate in the pipes and raise the risk of bacterial growth. Naturally, with hybrid and remote working, some taps, showers and washrooms may sit untouched for days at the time and it only takes a little over a week for stagnated water to increase the risk of Legionnaire’s disease.

Here lies the importance of having a person responsible for checking and controlling those risks, so they become a part of the routine, especially with a hybrid workforce.

Is your business water footprint smaller?

Hybrid working can reduce the amount of water used at business premises, but the relationship isn’t always straightforward. Employees working from home still use water throughout the day, whether that’s making drinks, washing dishes or using the bathroom. Some of the consumption that would previously have taken place at work has simply moved to a different address. 

For businesses, this means it’s worth distinguishing between reducing water consumption at their own premises and reducing water more broadly. There may be opportunities to save money and improve water efficiency, but lower office attendance alone doesn’t guarantee either.

How to manage your business water use

If your business has recently changed its working patterns to be more flexible, it’s worth checking whether your water consumption reflects the way your premises are now being used.

A good place to start is by reviewing your water bills and meter readings against the headcount in the office. If the usage has not dropped in line with on-site staff, it’s worth investigating why. Make sure to check for leaks, dripping taps and running toilets, particularly in areas that receive less attention. Smart metering or more frequent readings may also help identify unusual consumption patterns.

Finally, take the time to compare business water prices to ensure your water contract is working for you and your business. And if you’re thinking of making the switch to save on your next water bill, get in touch with our team at Everflow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does working from home reduce business water bills?

Working from home can reduce water consumption at business premises, as fewer employees use toilets, kitchens and washing facilities. However, business water bills may not fall proportionately due to fixed charges, ongoing building water usage and other costs. 

How can businesses reduce water bills with hybrid working?

Businesses can review meter readings, monitor water consumption against office occupancy, investigate unusual usage and fix leaks. They can also consider smart metering and compare business water contracts to identify potential savings. 

Can unused office water systems increase the risk of Legionella?

Yes. When water systems are used less frequently, water can become stagnant, potentially creating conditions that encourage Legionella bacteria to grow. Businesses should maintain appropriate water hygiene routines, including flushing little-used outlets where required by their risk assessment.