The weather outside is frightful and water scarcity is not delightful: why water conservation is important in winter

Winter is here, but so is water scarcity. It is easy to about the droughts, hose pipe bans and water shortages of the long, dry summer of 2022, especially as the weather starts to get just a bit chillier. As media attention on water scarcity begins to die down, we all need to step up our water conservation efforts, because now is the time for our precious reservoirs to refill with fresh drinking water supplies for the year ahead. Technologies like rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling are part of the answer!

The problem remains that we use too much, too often with little chance to restock supplies in winter months. Growing populations and the impacts of climate change mean demand on our ageing water infrastructure continues to grow year on year. That’s why we need to use water wisely! If we don’t change the way we use water, the impact is simple; we will face widespread supply issues. This will mean more hose pipe bans, more shortages and more disruption – and nobody wants that!

Just because long periods of warm weather are over doesn’t mean that we are out of the danger zone, in fact, we are far from it. As of September 2022, UK reservoirs (the large lakes which help to supply our homes and businesses with drinking water) are only 52% full when compared to previous averages. This means if we do not preserve supplies now, droughts will become a way of life in the future.

Water Reuse 

You may be wondering how you can play your part in water conservation? Remembering to turn taps off when brushing teeth and checking for leaks are ideal water saving tips for homes and businesses. More technologically advanced solutions are tried and tested to maximise water savings, especially in commercial buildings. Rainwater Harvesting Systems are designed to harvest free, sustainable rainwater from the roof area of your building, before recycling it for non-potable use. Not only does this dramatically decrease mains water reliance, but it also reduces carbon emissions. Rainwater is proven to produce much less carbon emissions than traditional mains water supplies.

Greywater Recycling is also another water saving technology which helps to change the way we use water in our commercial buildings. Instead of supplying non-potable outlets with mains drinking water, greywater recycling harvests and filters run off from showers, baths, and hand wash basins.

Stormsaver have helped many businesses to reduce their water usage by using free rainwater across their sites. Some of our clients have over 50 water re-use systems installed, helping them to save thousands of litres of water each year. By installing a Stormsaver Rainwater Harvesting or Greywater Recycling System, you will join a network of water saving champions across the UK, all helping to ease the burden on our drinking water supplies. 

Interested in learning more?

Why not check out how rainwater harvesting works here. Or you can contact our friendly team here.