Water is a key resource for most businesses, but it is a scare resource and costs are dramatically increasing. Many businesses are paying far too much on their water bill, due to inefficient equipment causing waste. This is especially true for restaurants, who consume large quantities of water for cooking, cleaning, and restrooms.
Water consumption has more than doubled in the last thirty years and in the commercial sector, this consumption is 50% higher. As usage has grown, though, so has waste. Increased water usage not only contributes to higher water bills, but also associated sewage bills.
Global freshwater usage has increased over the past 100 years by a factor of six and has been growing by a rate of 1% per year since 1980. In the year 2025, it is estimated that water shortages will affect two-thirds of the world's population. It has been estimated that between 2000-2050 there will be a 55% increase in the global water demand, resulting in a global water deficit of 40% by the year 2030. A plan to conserve water should be part of any sustainability strategy.
Increasing usage is also bad for business, as the cost of wasted water adds up to higher bills and lost money. Many businesses simply take their water bill for granted: water is necessary for operations, and trying to cut back may not seem feasible. Alternatively, for business owners who do want to cut back, it may not feel like the biggest priority. But water rates are increasing every year by up to 25%, so upgrades to your water-consuming equipment is vital—and prioritizing water conservation can have a serious impact on your bottom line.
Equipment inefficiencies can lead to unnecessary levels of waste. A leaking toilet can waste nearly 100 gallons of water per day, while a dripping tap can waste even more. These issues often go unresolved in commercial spaces, as they aren’t urgent enough to disrupt customer satisfaction and employees usually have other priorities. These issues are incredibly prevalent at all types of establishments. You’ve probably been to at least one restaurant, coffee shop, or bar with a dripping tap or wonky toilet in the last month! Keep in mind that these issues not only waste water but also add cost to sewage bills.
Modern equipment and technology can help reduce water consumption by 30% or more, while also having the benefit of lowering associated sewage bills. High efficiency toilets and urinals can use less water without sacrificing performance. 52% of restaurant water usage is from the kitchen and dishwashing. Touch-free faucets and high-pressures sprayers can significantly help conserve water, while increasing health and safety.
High usage isn’t the only way water bills can become staggeringly high. Water meters, which companies use to measure usage and determine how much to charge, are complicated. Because of how they measure water flow, there are opportunities to reduce water costs at the meter as well.
Water costs are calculated based on the volume of water consumed. The measurement of consumption within the water meter itself is subject to inaccuracy based on how water flows through the pipes. Luckily new technology is available to ensure that the water meter measures and records the flow of water more accurately.
Fixing these issues to conserve water and prevent wasted resources comes with serious business benefits. At Budderfly, we are experts in sustainability, which means we’re passionate about reducing waste. We offer a suite of sustainability solutions for businesses that includes energy efficient equipment upgrades, solar panel installation, water conservation, and more. When you work with Budderfly you get a holistic solution, as we provide the capital, oversee installation, and provide ongoing management to guarantee results. If you want to learn more about improving your business’s efficiency at no upfront cost, contact one of our experts today.