Reducing water consumption

The latest news from the Environment Agency is that we are facing increasing pressure on our nation's water resources. The good news is there's plenty you can do to crack down on your consumption levels.

• Most salons will have a water meter, which measures the amount of water you are using and means you only pay for what you use. To make sure you're contributing to a greener environment, check to see that there are no dripping taps or leaks anywhere in the salon, and that your taps turn off correctly. Dripping taps can waste up to four litres of water a day.
• In between shampooing and conditioning hair, make sure your staff aren't leaving the water flowing. The Environment Agency says this can waste up to five litres of water per minute.
• Understand your water bill and learn how to read your meter. Unless you know how much water you're using, you won't know how much you've cut it back by.
• If you have a high-pressure water system, consider whether you need quite as much pressure. If your pressure is too high, think about a restrictor valve to reduce the amount of water you're using at the backwash.
• Addressing your toilet situation is hardly exciting, but ensuring they're running in the most economical way possible will definitely help your water consumption. Often, older style toilet cisterns hold and use far more water for each flush than is actually required. A correctly fitted 'hippo' will reduce the amount of water used - many water companies supply them free.
• If you have male urinals, consider the waterless type, which, although they require maintenance, are more economical and will make a difference to your water consumption.
• Aveda advises considering dry floor cleaning methods, then finishing with a mop, as opposed to using gallons of water to get the initial dirt off.
• If you are going to make any improvements to your water supply, it's worth knowing that many water companies will support water-saving initiatives and may supply water-saving equipment at discounted prices.

For further information about all aspects of conserving water, an information pack is available from the Environment Agency. Alternatively, contact your local water company's conservation department for advice.