Water use and efficiency

The UK has a wet climate, but some parts of the country have less water available per person than countries such as Greece or Spain. By 2050, climate change could reduce the amount of water available in some areas by 10-15 per cent. More frequent periods of severe drought are forecast. 

Demand for water continues to increase, so it's vital that you use water wisely. This means working out how much you use and putting simple measures in place to cut water use, which has the added benefit of cutting costs. You can also reduce the indirect costs of water use such as the energy used for heating, pumping and treatment.

This guide explains when a business needs authorisation to take or store water, how to apply for one, and how to analyse the quantity of water you use. It also covers the benefits of cutting down your water use, gives you tips for saving water and describes the financial support available for introducing water efficiency measures.