Water is a critical but often overlooked element in the journey to net zero. As a hidden energy user, it contributes significantly to carbon emissions, and with water prices set to rise, there has never been a better time to prioritise water management. Just as you optimise gas and electricity consumption, focusing on water can drive cost savings and sustainability too.

Why are water prices rising?

From April 2025, water bills will increase. For too long, the industry has underinvested in critical infrastructure. Now, with a target of net zero by 2030, the sector is embarking on a £104 billion investment plan to fund essential infrastructure improvements and environmental initiatives.

The path to net zero will require substantial investments in renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies, and modernising aging systems. While these initiatives will drive long-term sustainability, they also contribute to rising water costs that will be passed on to consumers. Now is the time to take steps to reduce consumption, safeguard your budget and help preserve this precious commodity.

The growing water crisis

The demand for water is outpacing supply. If no action is taken between 2025 and 2050, an additional 3,435 million litres of water will be needed daily to meet future pressures.

Key facts: What’s driving demand for water?

• Public water supply: 14,000 million litres per day.
• Industrial and agricultural use: 1,000 million litres per day.
• Climate change impact: 400 million litres per day.
• Environmental protection: 720 million litres per day to replace unsustainable abstractions.
• Drought resilience: 1,150 million litres per day to improve supply security.
• Population growth: 1,040 million litres per day to meet increasing demand.

Get started with water procurement

The first step for any organisation looking to optimise water costs is to ensure your water contracts are priced competitively and you are getting the best service. Organisations in England and Scotland can choose their water supplier, allowing access to better pricing and service levels. But water procurement can be difficult to manage independently. It is time consuming and the endless supplier and product choice can make it difficult to compare your options.

Engaging a consultant like Zenergi allows you to take back control of your water costs. We compare supplier options for you, presenting them on a like-for-like basis so you can make informed decisions with ease. Our bill validation service can further protect your budget by ensuring you only pay for the water you use. Any discrepancies are managed with suppliers on your behalf, with any overpayments returned to you.

Choosing the right water partner is crucial for aligning with your sustainability goals. Understand what is important for you before you start the water procurement process.

Key considerations include:

• Incorporate water targets in procurement tenders.
• Recognise that the biggest savings come from additional services, not retail margins.
• Ensure alignment with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

Meaningful measurement reduces water use and carbon emissions

The second step in effective water management is data-driven decision-making. Regular monitoring and measurement of usage can unlock significant cost savings and carbon reductions.

• Manual meter readings taken regularly, allow early detection of anomalies.
• Automated Meter Reading (AMR) technology provides real-time insights, detecting leaks and inefficiencies in  real time.

Some organisations take an extra step by commissioning a water audit. Zenergi’s audit service begins with benchmarking analysis to identify if your consumption is higher than industry norms. A comprehensive on-site survey then pinpoints potential savings, with many organisations recovering audit costs through water savings alone.

A six-step plan for effective water management

1. Procure from a supplier that meets your cost, service and sustainability objectives

2. Monitor usage and submit regular meter readings to identify anomalies early.

3. Undertake a water audit to identify opportunities for reducing consumption

4. Define clear targets for water reduction and efficiency

5. Focus on small, incremental changes for long-term success.

6. Track ongoing progress and adjust strategies as needed.

Act now for a water-secure future

Water is an essential part of any organisation’s net zero journey. Rather than waiting until gas and electricity are optimised, organisations should address water management in parallel to maximise efficiency and sustainability.

By integrating water into their net zero strategy, companies can achieve significant cost savings, reduce carbon emissions and contribute to long-term environmental protection.
Let’s make water work for your net zero strategy!

We simplify water procurement, ensure accurate billing, help you implement data-driven strategies and identify how you can reduce consumption and costs. It’s time to discover how we can help optimise your water management process.