Being smart with water at work doesn’t require ripping all the pipes out and starting over. It doesn’t even require everyone to account for every drop of water used. There are many unconscious ways to improve how a company uses and can act responsibly with water.
Let’s look at some of the ways a business can act responsibly and become water smart in day to day operations.
Say goodbye to the water cooler moment
Younger office workers may not know what a “water cooler moment” is, but back in the day, it was a common sight for anyone in the office who needed a break to get up and go to the water cooler. The aim wasn’t to get water, but really to have a space where you could idly chat if you wanted a break from your desk for a few minutes.
With most people now sending DMs from their desk, many offices are left with a big hunk of plastic they’re wasting money on every month. In fact, any business which still has a water cooler or frequently buys in plastic bottles can avoid wastage through two simple steps.
Firstly, get a water filter for the kitchen sink. Showing that your tap water is as clean and safe as can be will make it become a reliable source of drinking water for workers. Secondly, either get new mugs for everyone or spend a little in eco-friendly water bottles. They can be personalised, so there’s no in-fighting over who owns which bottles, and you’re incentivising staff to keep hydrated throughout the day.
I recommend shopping around online, as some of the big-name brands will charge more for bulk orders, and you may even get a better deal by phoning up a local business.
Understand what you’re paying for
A water bill isn’t just a figure of how often someone has been running water at work. It represents a slew of services involving how your business uses water. Many businesses will simply look at what the number on a water bill is and pay it without understanding how that bill was calculated.
Phone your business water provider if you’re unsure what the charges in your bill mean. They should clearly lay out what each item on the bill is, and let you know of the services your business can avail of. For example, you may be paying for water filtering or emergency water without even knowing it. Check everything your bill includes, as it might even highlight new ways of bringing that monthly bill down.
Get a meter reader
Like almost all utilities, unless your supplier knows to the exact number how much water your business uses, they’re going to assume the cost based on previous bills. This seems like a simple way of doing things, right?
Well, what if your business has just moved into new premises which were previously a different type of business. A retail store is going to use less water than a bakery. A coffee shop is going to use more water than an office. Your water provider won’t know that difference and possibly be content with keeping bills the same even if you know you’re using far less water than the previous tenant.
Get around this by asking if your supplier will install a smart meter. This is an automated water meter which keeps track of how much is used, rather than an assumed level. If your supplier doesn’t give you a free meter, weigh up the potential costs against long-term savings, or shop around and see if another water provider will.
Go contactless
One final tip that is also practical now that many of us are conscious of touching surfaces. Motion sensor taps are much cheaper than they were even a decade ago and reduce water consumption dramatically. Installing these taps in bathrooms and communal areas can see everyone unconsciously acting more responsibly with water use.
I hope you found these tips on becoming water-smart at work helpful. If you want more tips on becoming efficient at work, visit the business section of the blog here.
