Even if we weren’t sure before the drought, Australians now know just how precious our water supply is, and how important it is to conserve water as much as possible. But have you thought about how you use water in your business rather than just in your home?

Like at home, many little steps in your business can make a significant difference in the amount of water used in your business. These small immediate changes can be implemented quickly even if bigger water use issues have to wait a while.

And small changes can decrease your water bill and therefore increase your profit margin and you can’t argue with that!

So how can you reduce water in your business?

Exactly how you can save water will depend on your business type (obviously a pet wash business will use more water than an online shop), the number of people in your business and where your business is conducted. However, many of the following tips can be used by any business anywhere in Australia…

·         Pour any unused water from the kettle or a glass onto pot plants or into the garden

·         Ensure the bathroom has dual flush toilets

·         Check taps and toilets regularly for leaks – check basins are dry after a period of non-use, watch the water meter when nothing is being used, add food colouring to the cistern of the toilet at the end of the day

·         Collect water under things you need to rinse, then use that water on plants

·         Only fill a kettle with enough water for the number of cups being made – it is quicker and cheaper to boil that way, too

·         Keep bottles of tap water in the fridge during hot days so taps don’t have to be run for cool water

·         Put mulch on the garden on in pots if you maintain any plants

·         Consider the value of any filters on the taps – some are very inefficient and waste water, and many parts of Australia have beautiful tap water anyway

·         If your business uses a lot of wash or rinse water, add a grey water and diverter system to water the garden. Note that you can’t use grey water on anyone else’s property or let it run onto footpaths and other public property

·         Where possible, reuse paper – it takes a lot of water to pulp and create sheets of paper

·         If you use a lot of water in your business or have a garden surrounding your premises, consider harvesting rainwater from your roof. A plumber can connect this water to your toilet or a work area (but not a kitchen/staff area) and the Government offers rebates in some circumstances

·         Introduce ‘no shower Tuesdays’ to your office – ok, maybe not, but perhaps you and your staff can find creative ways to save water (and we’d love to hear them, too!)

Mostly, water conservation is common sense at home and in your business – only use what you need and leave the rest in the tap!

Precious water is a Melbourne based company supplying rain water tanks that a re flexible enough to fit under your house or decking. That way, not only do you have enough water to care for your garden, but you don't lose any garden space to the tank. precious Water tanks are made to order to fit your requirements, so visit us at www.preciouswater.com.au and ask how we can help you conserve water today.