Helping Business manage water more efficiently, why and how Anna Hall Principal Officer Land Management 20 th October 2009 Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester
Water, water everywhere?
Current pressure on the water environment
Current pressure on water supplies Already areas of deficit … next to areas of surplus
Future pressures on water resources 1) Population and growth Another 20 million by 2050? 3 million new homes by 2020 Worst case scenario – 13 more Kielder Reservoirs or 30 more Rutland Waters
Reduced resources Lower river flows Shorter season for recharging groundwater More vulnerability to flooding and drought Increased demands Changes to quality A different environment Future pressures on water resources 2) Climate change
Future pressures on water resources Climate change Add climate change maps
In summary…….. Water is already scarce Pressures will increase from population growth Climate change will further increase these pressures We need to act on what we know the future will bring, and plan for what the future might bring YOU need to act to ensure water for YOUR business
How? Efficiency Auditing/ benchmarking Leak checking no flow/ meter alarms Irrigation scheduling New technologies Irrigation technologies Reuse/ recycle Soil management
How? Security of supply Reservoirs Education/ rights/ communication Water Abstractor Groups Alternative sources Rainwater Directly abstracted Mains
Water Efficiency Awards 2007
Your challenge Understand the VALUE of water to your business Understand the COST of water wastage to your business (including energy costs from pumping etc.) Increase efficiency ONLY THEN consider alternative supplies
Our Offer…. Support, education and advice on water efficiency Promote use of high flow storage reservoirs Encourage water abstractor groups (WAGS)