A large manufacturing facility, as part of a wider corporate sustainability initiative, was tasked with reducing its environmental impact and carbon footprint, with a particular focus on water usage efficiency.

In 2024, the facility implemented a specialist water monitoring service to track and optimise its water consumption.

The Problem: Identifying Hidden Water Waste

Upon installation of the monitoring system, unusually frequent sprinkler tank refills were detected, despite no operational events requiring water from the system. The constant flow and irregular refill frequency suggested a potential hidden leak.

A subsequent water audit confirmed the presence of a leak on the pipeline connected to the sprinkler tank, which was causing excessive water consumption and unnecessary tank refills. Without the monitoring service and audit, this issue could have remained undetected for much longer, resulting in significant water waste.

The Resolution: Data-Driven Leak Repair

The leak was repaired, and water usage was continuously monitored to ensure the problem had been resolved.

• Before the Repair (Feb–Sep 2024): 5.1 m³ per day
• After the Repair (Oct 2024–Present): 1.9 m³ per day
• Reduction in Consumption: 63%

The Impact: Significant Savings and Sustainable Water Management

The intervention delivered measurable benefits:

• Water Saved Annually: 1,170 m³
• Annual Cost Savings: £3,500
• Water Consumption Reduction: 63%

The results significantly exceeded the organisation’s water reduction target.

Outcome

By addressing the hidden leak and implementing a real-time water monitoring system, the facility achieved:

✅ 63% reduction in water consumption
✅ £3,500 in annual cost savings
✅ 1,170 m³ of water saved annually

This case highlights how data-driven water monitoring can help organisations meet sustainability and carbon reduction goals. Through real-time tracking and informed decision-making, the facility successfully improved its resource efficiency and contributed to broader environmental objectives.