Businesses in England are drawing 2.6 billion litres daily from public water supplies—accounting for 30% of total usage—while drought conditions prompt hosepipe bans for households. Less than 1% of companies consume more than the daily needs of 10 million people, according to data from Mosl, which operates England’s business water market.
Water-stressed regions bear two-thirds of this commercial consumption, yet most companies face no mandatory reporting or restrictions despite worsening shortages. The Guardian’s investigation highlights a gap in oversight as households face stringent conservation measures.
KEY FACTS
- Businesses use 2.6bn litres daily from public water supplies in England.
- Commercial consumption accounts for 30% of public water supply usage.
- Two-thirds of business water use occurs in water-stressed areas.
- Less than 1% of businesses consume more than the daily needs of 10 million people.
- Reporting and cuts for business water use are not mandatory in most cases.
Why is business water use unchecked?
Unlike households, businesses are largely exempt from water restrictions, even in drought-prone regions. Mosl’s data reveals that while domestic users face hosepipe bans, companies can access public water—both potable and non-potable—without disclosing volumes or implementing reductions. This disparity raises questions about equitable resource allocation during shortages.
What’s the regional impact?
Three-quarters of England is currently in drought, amplifying scrutiny of water distribution. The concentration of business usage in water-stressed areas suggests commercial activities may exacerbate local scarcity. However, without transparent reporting, the full extent of corporate consumption remains unclear.
WHAT WE KNOW — AND WHAT WE DON’T
Verified by the source:
- Businesses use 2.6bn litres daily from public supplies.
- Two-thirds of business use occurs in water-stressed areas.
- Less than 1% of companies exceed the daily water needs of 10 million people.
Still unconfirmed:
- Which industries or companies are the largest water users.
- Whether policymakers plan to mandate business water reporting.
- How much non-potable water is consumed versus potable.
WHY IT MATTERS
With climate change intensifying droughts, equitable water management is critical. The lack of transparency around corporate usage complicates efforts to allocate resources fairly during shortages. Public awareness of this imbalance may pressure regulators to address the gap.
WHAT TO WATCH
Whether drought conditions prompt stricter reporting requirements for businesses, and if water-stressed regions implement local restrictions on commercial use.