How to reduce water, sewerage and trade effluent business costs
Simple steps and tips to help you reduce water and wastewater bills by limiting your business鈥檚 water use.
Reducing the amount of water your business uses is one of the most effective ways to lower your water, sewerage, and trade effluent bills. Since Northern Ireland Water (NI Water) charges both for supplying water and treating wastewater, cutting water use helps save money and reduces your environmental impact.
Practical tips to reduce water consumption
To manage water use efficiently, make sure to:
- check your water supply pipe to ensure it matches your business needs
- monitor your water meter readings and bills regularly to spot unusual usage early
- inspect pipes for leaks, especially during cold weather when pipes are more vulnerable
- invest in water-efficient equipment to reduce water consumption
For more practical steps, see water efficiency: ten top tips.
Water-saving measures by business type
Offices
Office-based businesses can install water-saving devices such as push taps, spray taps, cistern displacement blocks, and sensor-controlled flush systems. For more information, see save water at commercial premises.
Factories
Industrial businesses might reuse process water or greywater from cleaning and washing. They can also explore alternative water sources like rainwater harvesting or other non-mains supplies. For more information, see save water at industrial premises.
Reducing sewerage and trade effluent costs
Wastewater treatment and trade effluent charges can be significantly higher than water supply costs. To reduce these expenses:
- Minimise the volume of wastewater your business produces.
- Lower the strength or pollutant levels in your trade effluent by improving processes or using less harmful substances.
- Reuse wastewater where possible to reduce discharge volumes.