BUSINESSES are being urged to take the plunge and reduce their water usage to save money.

The call comes from Government-funded programme Envirowise, which says many firms in the region are, literally, pouring money down the drain by unnecessarily wasting water.

If every business in the region leaves just one tap dripping for a day, 4.4 million litres of water would be wasted, it points out

In the course of a year, the cost would be more than £1 million.

Envirowise is urging companies to sign up to its big splash challenge, and receive free guidance on water minimisation.

To get started, it recommends the following low cost measures:

oTurn taps off fully and replace leaking hoses and worn taps.

In staff washrooms, push-button taps can use up to half the water used through conventional taps and help prevent floods in event of a sink becoming blocked.

oCheck the water system for leaks. Take meter readings regularly and carefully - if you are paying for water that you cannot account for you may have a leak.

oReduce the need for mains supply water by looking at ways of recycling 'grey water' such as cleaning equipment, vehicles or outside areas.

oFit a water displacement device into toilet cisterns - often available free from water companies.

oConsider appointing 'water wardens' to take responsibility for water minimisation measures in each area of the site.

Envirowise can also offer industry-specific advice on reducing water wastage.

More details on 0800 585 794 or www.envirowise.gov.uk/bigsplash.