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How to set achievable water reduction goals for the new year
If you’re the person responsible for managing water for your business, the start of a new year is often when you review costs, set targets and look for places where you could be saving money. Energy and staffing usually take priority, and water is frequently overlooked, even though it is a fixed cost that affects your budget throughout the year.
At The Business Water Shop, we often help businesses reduce their water usage and set practical goals to do so. Many people don’t think to compare water rates, but finding the right business water supplier in the UK can provide valuable insights and support that really make a difference at the end of the year.
With that in mind, here is how you can set achievable water reduction goals for the new year and how reviewing or switching business water suppliers can help.
Start with a clear understanding of your current water usage
Before setting any reduction goals, you need to get to grips with how much water your business is currently using. Reviewing recent bills and meter readings helps you identify patterns, seasonal changes and unexpected increases that may already be costing you more than necessary.
If your bills are unclear or difficult to track, this can be a sign that your current business water supplier is not providing the level of visibility you need. Switching to one of the more transparent commercial water suppliers can give you clearer insight into your usage and costs.
Set realistic and measurable water reduction targets
When setting water reduction goals, it’s important to focus on targets that are achievable and easy to measure. Rather than aiming to simply ‘use less water’, setting a clear percentage reduction over the year, whether that’s 5% or 10% etc, gives you something practical to work towards.
For many businesses, a reduction of this size is realistic, particularly if water usage has not been actively managed before. Reviewing your usage against similar businesses and comparing business water suppliers can help you understand what is realistic and whether your current tariff supports your goals.
Address inefficiencies before making major changes
Reducing water use doesn’t have to cost much. Minor issues like leaking taps, inefficient fittings or older equipment can add up over time, especially during busier periods when more water is being used. These problems are easy to miss during quieter months, but they can quickly push costs up when demand increases.
There are also simple day-to-day changes that can help reduce water use. Reviewing cleaning routines, using equipment more efficiently, and ensuring staff understand how their actions affect water usage can all make a difference. These changes help you start reducing water use straight away, without disrupting how your business operates.
Monitor progress regularly rather than once a year
Setting an annual water reduction goal is important, but progress should be reviewed regularly rather than left until the end of the year. Taking consistent meter readings allows you to build a clearer picture of how your water usage changes over time and helps you spot unusual increases early. Identifying these changes quickly means issues like leaks, operational changes, or inefficient processes can be addressed before they result in higher-than-expected bills.
Many commercial water suppliers offer usage monitoring tools or regular account reviews that provide additional insight into your consumption. This level of oversight can be particularly helpful when you are trying to stay on track with your targets, as it allows you to understand whether changes in usage are expected or a sign that something needs attention. Having information to hand throughout the year makes it easier to manage water proactively rather than reacting once costs have already increased.
Make sure your goals reflect how your business operates
Water usage doesn’t usually stay the same every month, especially if your business gets busier at certain times of the year or sees changes in footfall. That’s why your water reduction goals should reflect how your business actually operates, rather than aiming for fixed reductions regardless of what’s happening on site.
If you’re using more water during peak periods, this can often be balanced by making stronger reductions during quieter months. It’s also worth taking time to review how your water tariff works, as some business water suppliers are better suited to seasonal usage than others. If your current setup no longer meets your company’s needs, it may be time to switch water suppliers to one that better supports your business year-round.
Take control of your business water this year
Water reduction should be treated as an ongoing process rather than a one-off task. At The Business Water Shop, we help you understand your usage, identify inefficiencies, compare business water options, and switch business water with confidence to ensure you stay on competitive, transparent tariffs.
If you are reviewing costs for the year ahead and want to be sure that your water setup is working for your business, now is the ideal time to compare commercial water suppliers or review whether switching business water suppliers could help you save.
