Mark Gilligan, founder of Wizso, looks at the critical issue of water conservation in the built environment.
Water is quickly catching up with energy as one of the most critical issues for property owners and operators across the globe. In an age of increasing urbanisation, climate change, and growing population pressures, the management of water as a resource has become a key concern. Rising awareness of environmental challenges, coupled with the economic and regulatory factors influencing water use, is placing property owners and operators at the forefront of the water conservation movement.
• Growing scarcity and the importance of water efficiency
Water scarcity is a growing global problem. With freshwater resources becoming increasingly strained due to overuse, contamination, and climate change, the need for sustainable water management practices is more urgent than ever. For property owners and operators, managing water use efficiently is quickly moving from a matter of choice to a matter of necessity.
In the UK, per capita water consumption has doubled in the last 50 years. This spike in consumption has been driven by factors such as population growth, changing lifestyles, and increased demand for water-intensive amenities. As a result, water is no longer simply an environmental or regulatory issue; it is a growing financial concern.
• Regulatory pressures and OFWAT targets
Regulatory bodies such as OFWAT, the economic regulator for the water sector in England and Wales, are placing more pressure on water companies to reduce water consumption. OFWAT has set a target for a nine per cent reduction in non-household water use, underscoring the seriousness with which water management is being approached (Ofwat, 2024). Property owners, particularly those in commercial real estate, are directly affected by these targets, as water companies strive to meet these goals. Companies that fail to reduce water consumption risk penalties or higher costs passed down from the utility companies. In addition to non-household water use, OFWAT also focuses on reducing leakage and encouraging households to use water more efficiently, aiming to reduce per capita consumption to 110 Litres from the current average of c145 litres per person per day.
• The role of technology and behaviour change
While there are many gadgets designed to reduce flow or pressure, they have not had a significant impact on actual water consumption. Water-efficient appliances such as low-flow toilets, taps, and showers are part of the solution, but technological fixes alone aren’t enough. Behavioural change is essential, and this is a major challenge identified by water companies. Water companies are increasingly focusing on educating customers and promoting behavioural change to help meet water reduction targets. However, for many property owners, it is not enough to rely solely on regulations and appliances. They need solutions that encourage tenants to make small, simple changes that collectively add up to significant water savings and actually changes how they perceive this scarce resource. Use avoidance is at the top of the water management pyramid.
• Regional disparities and water stress in the UK
In some regions in the UK, water stress is becoming an increasingly urgent issue. While the country may not experience the same degree of water scarcity as some parts of the world, it is still vulnerable to the impacts of overuse and climate change. Looking ahead, projections indicate that by 2050, the UK will require an additional five billion litres of water daily to support a growing population, economy, and food production, all while protecting the environment (Environment Agency, 2024). Additionally, seven regions in England are projected to face severe water stress by 2030, with the south-east expected to be the most affected. (Water Magazine, 2023)
• A broader cultural shift in water usage
Incorporating products like Wizso into daily routines exemplifies a broader trend of cultural change around water conservation. People are becoming more aware of their water usage, not just because of environmental concerns but also because of the increasing financial and regulatory pressure. For property owners, this shift is vital to ensuring long-term sustainability.
• The financial case for water conservation
Water efficiency isn’t just an environmental issue — it’s an economic one. As the average water bill is set to increase by up to 20 per cent in 2025/26 (MoneySavingExpert, 2024). Property owners who can successfully reduce their water usage will not only lower utility bills but also increase the market value of their properties. More importantly, they will build a reputation as responsible, sustainable operators, which can attract tenants or customers who value environmental responsibility. Businesses are increasingly incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into their decision-making process. Properties with water-saving features are more likely to attract tenants who seek to reduce their own environmental impact.
• Innovative solutions
One promising innovation in water conservation is the introduction of Wizso, a simple but effective solution which helps reduce the amount of fresh water you use each day by cutting the number of times you need to flush the toilet when you pee. In the UK, toilet flushing accounts for approximately 30 per cent of indoor household water usage, and is a great place to start. Wizso is a pellet that, when dropped into the toilet after you pee, fizzes up to create a recognisably clean colour change and fresh fragrance, eliminating the need to flush the toilet immediately. By using Wizso three times a day an individual could save up to 8,000 litres of water annually. The simplicity of the product, combined with its low-cost and low-maintenance nature, makes it an appealing solution for those looking to reduce water use without needing to overhaul their existing plumbing system. Wizso helps address a major challenge for property owners: encouraging water-saving behaviours. People are happy to use it because it’s safe, easy, effective, and doesn’t require them to change their habits significantly. For property managers, offering Wizso to tenants can significantly contribute to water savings across the building. In addition, businesses can use Wizso as part of their broader ESG / sustainability efforts to improve their environmental footprint and meet regulatory requirements.
• Conclusion
As water scarcity increases, regulatory pressures mount, and technology evolves, adopting efficient water management practices is no longer optional—it’s necessary for long-term sustainability. Solutions such as Wizso are helping both households and businesses save significant amounts of water daily, while the emphasis on behavioural change can have an even greater impact. Property owners must embrace a multifaceted approach that includes investing in water-saving technologies, complying with regulations such as OFWAT’s targets, and encouraging tenants to adopt water-conserving behaviours. By doing so, they will not only meet regulatory requirements and reduce operational costs but also enhance the sustainability of their properties, increase their value, and position themselves as responsible stewards of vital resources.
Mark Gilligan is founder of Wizso.
