Our water sustainability experts share their 5 top tips
As climate pressures, rising costs, and growing regulation reshape the business landscape, one resource is rapidly climbing the strategic agenda: water. Yet, in many organisations, water still falls between the cracks of broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategies.
That needs to change – and fast.
At Waterscan, we believe sustainable water management starts with action, not aspiration. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or ready to take it further, our team of water specialists has some tried-and-tested advice to share. Here’s what our experts recommend when it comes to turning water from an overlooked utility into a lever for performance, resilience, and value.
1. Start with the data – it’s more valuable than you think
Data is your biggest ally. Without it, you’re navigating blind. With data, you can pinpoint inefficiencies, benchmark usage, track leaks, and make decisions that lead to real savings and sustainability wins. At Waterscan, we help you gather and analyse this critical information – giving you a crystal-clear view of your consumption patterns and opportunities for change.
“Start getting on top of your data collection as soon as possible – data can feel like a roadblock or a chore when in reality, once you start harnessing it, it can open up so many avenues of opportunity.”
Beth Crowley, Sustainability Consultant
2. Make your water usage visible – and strategic
Many organisations don’t realise just how much water they’re using – or wasting. Building visibility is step one. With the right metering and monitoring in place, you can track costs, build compelling business cases, and ensure water sits where it should be: at the heart of your operational strategy.
“Visibility on how much water you’re using and how much it costs is crucial. This will allow you to establish a baseline, start making strategic decisions on effective water management and help gain internal buy-in.”
Jessica Wyatt, Head of Commercial
3. Don’t go it alone – engage across your organisation
Water sustainability is not a one-department issue. It touches facilities, procurement, finance, and even your customer communications. Creating change means getting buy-in and input across your organisation. Our collaborative approach helps build the shared understanding and momentum needed to put effective solutions into practice.
“Engaging with stakeholders, from your internal teams to your end customers, is an important part of identifying barriers and opportunities to make improvements and to put solutions into practice.”
Eleanor Pendle, Sustainability Research Lead
4. Think ROI, not just ESG
Sustainability and commercial value are not mutually exclusive. In fact, when it comes to water, they go hand-in-hand. Strategic investments in infrastructure, procurement, and leakage prevention can unlock measurable financial returns. We help you make the case – showing how sustainability isn’t just good for the planet, but for your bottom line too.
5. Take action – even if it’s not perfect
Waiting for the perfect plan can mean missing key opportunities. We encourage organisations to get started with the tools, insights and resources they have – and build from there. With Waterscan’s specialist support, even small steps can drive big change, especially when they’re underpinned by robust data and tracked over time.
“‘Imperfect action’ – acknowledge that perfection isn’t the goal, progress is. Progress should be data-led and tracked!”
Rebecca Gale, Head of Sustainability
Let’s move water up the agenda
Water isn’t a background issue anymore – it’s a strategic priority. And managing it well requires more than good intentions. It demands specialist insight, digital tools, and a delivery mindset.
That’s where Waterscan comes in.
From global brands to public organisations, we help our clients reduce usage, cut costs, and build long-term water resilience. If you’re ready to make water work harder for your business, let’s talk.
Schedule a consultation or register for our upcoming Water Matters event, where we’ll bring together leading voices to shape the future of smart, sustainable water management.
