Essex and Suffolk businesses told to be careful with water use
Efforts ramp up as drought conditions persist into autumn
Car washes, data centres, and factories are being urged by Essex and Suffolk Water (ESW) to continue using water responsibly as the region experiences ongoing drought conditions.
The water supplier has reported a 15% reduction in water demand from business customers following a temporary use ban introduced on 3rd August, and stresses the importance of maintaining these reductions.
Despite households helping to reduce water demand since the hosepipe ban came into effect, reservoir levels remain below normal. ESW is offering free water efficiency reviews, helping businesses identify leaks, and providing grants to replace inefficient fittings.
Kieran Ingram, water director at ESW, emphasised the need for collective action from businesses, charities, and public sector organisations to mitigate water usage:
"We've seen fantastic efforts from customers and businesses across our region to reduce water use since the temporary use ban was introduced, and those actions are making a real difference. It’s really important that our customers continue to use water wisely.
"However, with pressure on water resources continuing, we are asking businesses, charities and public sector organisations to also play their part.
"Every organisation has an opportunity to reduce demand and help protect essential water supplies as well as our environment.
"We're working closely with non-household customers to identify savings and tackle leaks, but the biggest impact will come from collective action."
Reservoirs such as Hanningfield and Abberton in Essex, and Fritton Lake and Ormesby in Norfolk, remain significantly under capacity, prompting ESW to call on businesses to play an essential part in water conservation.