Water latest

All businesses depend on water, whether you're using it to power your operations or simply for your staff and customers.

With our changing climate, using water wisely isn't just about protecting our environment—it’s also about protecting your bottom line. By making a few small changes, you can lower your water bills and reduce the energy needed to heat water, all without affecting your day-to-day work.

As the temperatures start to climb, summer is the perfect time for businesses to be water-smart and stay resilient whatever the weather. With the nicer weather, we know our high streets, parks, and outdoor spaces become busier. Whether you are a hospitality business welcoming more guests or a landscaper maintaining green spaces, your need for water naturally increases. However, this is also the time when the collective demand on our network is at its highest.

While rainfall over autumn and winter was above what is expected in the South East, the ground has been notably dry since early March. Our groundwater levels and reservoirs require constant protection to remain resilient against increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

By being mindful and reducing non-essential demand now, you help us stabilise the network, ensuring we can keep the taps flowing for all businesses and communities throughout the peak summer months.

What we are doing

We aren't just asking you to do your bit; we are working around the clock to improve our infrastructure:

• Fixing leaks: We spend over £63 million a year finding and fixing leaks. In the last year alone, our team of over 500 specialists found and fixed 21,000 leaks on our network and helped customers fix a further 6,000 leaks on their own sites.
• Rolling out smart technology: We have begun upgrading meters across our network to prepare for smart meter technology, allowing for better data and faster leak detection.
• Future planning: We update our Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP) every five years. The next plan, arriving in 2029, is already being developed using the latest housing figures to ensure we can accommodate every new home and business in our region.

Simple ways to be water-smart

Small shifts in your daily operations can lead to significant savings on your bill and a big impact on our resources:

• Swap the hose: Use a bucket or watering can for vehicles and plants.
• Check your site: Ensure there aren’t any leaks in your external pipework, which could become costly.
• Get the gear: Order our free water-saving gadgets specifically designed for business use.

Together, we can ensure there is enough water for our businesses, our customers, and our environment all summer long.

Water resources are healthy

Our reservoirs and groundwater levels are where we expect them to be this time of the year. However, being "water aware" means preparing for the future. Efficiency today builds the resilience you'll need when temperatures eventually rise.

• What this means for your business: It is "business as usual," but with an emphasis on efficiency. This is the ideal time to invest in infrastructure and habits that lower your overheads.
• Key actions:
  • Audit your site: Walk your premises to check for "silent" leaks in toilets or external pipework.
  • Empower your team: Encourage water-smart habits in kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Order free devices: Access our range of free water-saving devices(opens in a new tab), including tap aerators and leaky loo strips, to reduce consumption without affecting performance.