Following a very successful trial at a small number of sites, Demeter Limited was asked to carry out a water use audit of a 100 retail stores for a household retailer.

Each location was visited over a three-week period and a comprehensive investigation and audit carried out which included monitoring of water consumption and the inspection and assessment of all points of water use.

On completion of all site visits a report was compiled which included;

- Detailed database of all points of water use
- Identification of opportunities to reduce water use at store and summary level
- Recommendations with cost – benefit analysis and demonstrated in terms of payback periods.

Aspects identified and recommended for remedial actions included;

- Location and repair of underground leaks
- Installation of automated cistermiser flush controls within toilets
- Installation of water displacement bags in toilet cisterns
- Repairs to overflowing toilet cisterns
- Installation of non-concussive taps

The level of one underground leak was confirmed and quantified through the installation of an SMS data logger. This showed that water use was some 20m³ higher than necessary. A repair was undertaken, and average daily consumption dropped from 23 to 3 m³ per day, saving the client over £12,000 per annum  Compare Management Report 1 with Management Report 2