Business leaders on the BITC Water Taskforce, chaired by United Utilities CEO Steve Mogford, are calling on their peers to tackle water issues in the UK.

With the backing of the Government, Business in the Community BITC has brought together water companies, other businesses, and key stakeholders to work collaboratively on the challenges, and encourage other businesses to take action on water to help build a fairer society and more sustainable future.

Today the BITC Water Taskforce is calling on all UK businesses – large and small, from every sector to consider their relationship with water and take action to improve their resilience to the risk of periods of too much and too little water.

To mark the start of a three year plan of action, the group has launched a report ‘Securing the Resources for Future Prosperity’, which highlights the water challenges faced in the UK, reasons why businesses should take action and what they need to do. 

"Clear and urgent need for UK businesses to respond to water challenges"

Gudrun Cartwright, Head of Innovation and Partnerships, Business in the Community said:

“Water management should be part of all sustainable business strategies. Rising sea levels and changes in rainfall patterns are just the beginning of an increase in flooding and drought in the UK. There is a clear and urgent need for UK businesses to act now and respond to water challenges."

"We are delighted that BITC members are helping to drive change through the Water Taskforce and look forward to seeing how we can deliver real impact over the next three years.”

Northumbrian Water Group’s Water Director, John Devall, who sits on the taskforce, said:

“This taskforce has vital work to do and provides the partners with a powerful platform to work with businesses, big and small, to do their bit to help protect what is a very precious resource, reduce energy use and manage the impact that they may have on flooding."

“Sustainability is at the core of all we do as a business, including our water catchment processes, water and wastewater treatment and renewable energy innovation. The taskforce group has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with businesses.”

Steve Mogford, CEO of United Utilities said:

“Businesses, within and outside the water industry, increasingly recognise the importance of using water more efficiently and becoming more resilient to water shortages and flooding. They also recognise the opportunities and business value brought by action. Taking action is essential for our long-term prosperity and the longer businesses wait, the greater the costs of catching up.”

Government to provide £150k funding

Water Minister Dan Rogerson confirmed that the Government is also providing the Water Stewardship in Food Supply Chains Project within the Water Taskforce with £150,000 of government funding, to help boost collaboration and share knowledge across industry.

BITC’s Water Taskforce had identified six steps to help organisations take action on water.

1. Understand their relationship with water

2. Create a plan for action

3. Manage direct use of water

4. Manage indirect use of water

5. Build resilience to flooding and water shortages

6. Collaborate on sustainable water quality management

Members of the Water Taskforce are: Anglian Water, the Carbon Trust, Costain, United Utilities, Dairy Crest, Defra, Dŵr Cymru, EDF Energy, the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water, Marshalls, the Met Office, MWH, Nestlé, Northumbrian Water, Sainsbury’s and Thames Water.

Click here to download the report.