Assessing water use in your business

In this guide:

Managing water use in your business

As our economy grows, so too does our demand for water. Business and industry therefore have a responsibility to become efficient water users. This means working out how much water your business uses, and then coming up with a plan to save water.

Assessing water efficiency

The Australian Government also has a range of tools businesses can use to plan and implement water efficiency.

Water Efficiency Management Plans (WEMPs)

Water Efficiency Management Plans (WEMPs) aim to help businesses manage their water use, save on water costs, improve efficiency and reduce business water consumption. The planning process includes 3 key activities for water users:

accounting for water use
identifying water-saving measures
preparing a plan to implement the identified measures.

Learn more about WEMPs in South East Queensland on the Queensland Water Commission website.

Learn more about WEMPs outside South East Queensland on the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) website.

Water efficiency and irrigation

Horticultural, turf, landscaping and other irrigation-based businesses face a number of challenges when it comes to water efficiency. Learn more about irrigation and water efficiency.

A wide range of fact sheets for primary producers is also available on the DERM website.

Programs to support water efficiency

ecoBiz

The ecoBiz program is a free self-help program for Queensland businesses that uses 6 steps for identifying and measuring water, energy and material resource-saving opportunities. It can help you cut costs and increase profit through eco-efficiency.

Learn more about the ecoBiz program on the DERM website.

Rural Water Use Efficiency Initiative

The Rural Water Use Efficiency Initiative is a partnership between government and rural industry that helps irrigators improve water use efficiency and adopt sustainable irrigation management practices.

Learn more about the Rural Water Use Efficiency Initiative on the DERM website.

QWESTNet

QWESTNet provides regular, informal networking events to help businesses looking for simple, low-cost or innovative ways to improve their environmental sustainability and increase profits.