Reducing Water Use - Saving Money through Waste Minimisation

Reducing Water Use - This informative good practice guide deals with a number of issues faced by industrial and commercial organisations wishing to identify and implement measures to reduce water use and save money through overall waste minimisation.

While water costs may appear insignificant, the true cost is considerably higher than the basic charges for supplying water and discharging effluent. Pumping, maintenance, capital depreciation and treatment costs should also be considered, as well as the value of lost materials. Inappropriate use of water could cost a company 1% of its turnover, with half being technically and cost-effectively recoverable. Minimising the ‘hidden costs’ alongside water purchase costs and effluent charges would save GB£10,000/year for a company with a GB£2 million annual turnover.

This good practice guide outlines a systematic approach to reducing the costs associated with water use and wastewater disposal. This procedure, which can be incorporated within existing management systems, stresses the importance of:

• involving all members of staff from senior management to plant operators;
• developing a clear, easily understood plan;
• determining the true costs of water consumption and wastewater generation;
• identifying all water inputs and outputs;
• drawing up a water mass balance;
• allocating annual water consumption between major users;
• brainstorming to generate water saving ideas;
• implementing all feasible options;
• maintaining savings.

The guide also explains that reducing water consumption is both compatible and consistent with reducing contaminant concentrations. The approach needed to minimise water consumption successfully is also applicable to reducing contaminant levels in wastewater and may produce additional cost benefits.

The potential cost savings and other benefits of reducing water consumption are highlighted in a series of industry examples........more

To Receive Your Full Copy

To receive your full copy of this good practice guide or for more information on effective water management practices, water and wastewater treatment please call Accepta on +44 (0) 161 877 2334 or e-mail us at info@accepta.com. Please quote the full title of the document when you contact us, thank you.