North Lincolnshire Council has signed a pledge to reduce its water use in council buildings by 20 per cent by 2016 - potentially saving around £350,000 over the next four years.

On 12 September Councillor Liz Redfern and Bob Wilson from Anglian Water Business signed the pledge on that will also see the council reduce its carbon footprint by around 25 tonnes each year.

The council currently spends £500,000 a year on water and waste water bills. This includes the cost to heat water.

By signing the pledge, the council is committed to supporting responsible water use throughout North Lincolnshire; reducing the council's water use with more efficient processes; and saving taxpayers' money by consuming less water.

- The pledge has been drawn up with Anglian Water Business, launched in November 2011 to support the water company’s business customers. It is able draw on the huge expertise its staff have built up over decades of working with businesses in the UK’s driest and fastest growing region.

It aims to help firms and local councils conserve water, drive down energy and water costs, reduce costly carbon emissions and secure their position in the economic prosperity of the region.

Cllr Liz Redfern, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said:

“The Lincolnshire area is the driest parts of the UK and the recent drought didn’t help.  And this area has particularly suffered over the last two winters with low rainfall.  So it is vital that we do all we can to help reduce the amount of water that we use.

“Signing up to the pledge is a significant step forward and demonstrates our commitment to cutting our water use by 20 per cent over the next four years.

“There is a lot of work to be done, but I am confident that we can achieve these savings.  It is not only good for the purse, but the environment too.

“By working with Anglian Water, we can draw up an action plan that will help us produce results that will make a real difference.

“We want to set an example in the Yorkshire and Humber region and it is only right and proper that we get our own house in order, before we can expect others to do the same.”

Bob Wilson, Director of Anglian Water Business, said:

“We are pleased to be working with North Lincolnshire Council.  The signing of this pledge is a real milestone on the road to a more water conscious, water efficient economy in our region.

“By becoming the first local council in the Yorkshire and Humber region to take this step, North Lincolnshire is showing the way for others and we will be supporting them every step of the way.”

It now remains to be seen whether other councils in the water-stressed region follow suit.