Water saving wish list
December 1st 2009 Although cleaning businesses use water on a daily basis they may not be aware that they are paying for it twice.Could you switch to water saving products from the the Government's Water Technology List?
From filling a bucket to larger scale processes, as soon as you turn on the tap the costs flood in. As waste water is charged as sewerage, both water used on site and any water that is disposed of will incur cost. British businesses are using enough water every year to fill 2.6 million Olympic-sized swimming pools so the potential for cost saving is huge.
The current economic climate is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate to clients that the cleaning business offers a valueadded service. Cleaning contractors can implement changes that offer clients water savings,while companies with in-house cleaners can benefit directly by using technology that can result in a saving on water use.
On many sites, cleaning and rinsing processes often use high volumes of water. However, cleaners can consider using more waterefficient products, which would help businesses to save money.
Listen up
One of the best ways to find such products is to look through the products and technologies available from the Government's Water Technology List (WTL).
The WTL features water-efficient products ranging from taps to rainwater harvesting equipment and is part of the Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme (ECA), meaning that the cost of the purchase can be offset against taxable profits at year end.
The WTL contains two main technologies for industrial cleaning – scrubber/dryers and steam cleaners. Scrubber dryers are most effective in factories with large flooring areas and easy access.They are fast and efficient and can contribute to significant reductions in chemical use,water and effluent volume. They work by recovering dirty wash water from the floor surface, processing it and then re-using it, storing dirty water in a reservoir in the machine.
Steam cleaners also offer reductions in water and chemical usage. Using high temperature steam sterilises the area, killing bacteria and breaking down grease without the need for chemicals, which could in turn save money on cleaning supplies.
Further cost savings are available by making small changes that could make a big difference. For example, in office washrooms and kitchens, water efficient push taps could cut water use by 50%, which will translate into real cost savings. These are also available via the WTL.
What a relief
"The updated criteria for the Water Technology List's category of Water Efficient Industrial Cleaning Equipment has resulted in a number of products being added to the scrubber/dryer subcategories," says Claire Sweeney, resource efficiency expert at Envirowise.
"A business buying this type of equipment via the WTL can not only benefit through reducing water and effluent costs, but could also obtain accelerated tax relief on its investment through the ECA scheme."
For more information about the ECA scheme and to view the Water Technology List visit www.eca-water.gov.uk. | 
