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Extreme weather is becoming an increasingly common challenge for businesses across the UK. From higher water demand during prolonged hot weather to frozen pipework in winter, changing conditions can affect your operations, premises and overall water usage. Understanding the risks and taking simple preventative steps can help your business stay prepared all year round.
Hot weather can increase demand
During periods of prolonged hot weather, many businesses use more water than usual. This can be due to increased cleaning, hospitality activity, outdoor maintenance or simply ensuring staff and customers remain hydrated.
When demand rises across the wider water network, using water efficiently becomes especially important. Monitoring consumption and encouraging responsible use can help your business manage costs and reduce unnecessary waste.
Cold weather can cause costly disruption
Low temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and, in some cases, burst as they thaw. This may lead to leaks, water damage, loss of supply and avoidable disruption to your business. Businesses with vacant premises, external taps, exposed pipework or buildings that are not used regularly should take preventative action before temperatures fall.
Practical steps include:
- Insulating exposed or external pipework.
- Making sure staff know where the stop tap is located.
- Checking buildings or areas that are not used regularly during winter.
- Be winter WISE
Heavy rainfall and storms can affect operations
Heavy rainfall will not usually affect drinking water supply directly, but severe weather can cause localised flooding, access issues and disruption to business premises. Including water-related risks within your business continuity planning can help reduce disruption if severe weather affects your site.
Is your business prepared?
A few simple checks can help you understand how prepared your business is:
- Do you know where your water meter is located?
- Could you isolate your water supply quickly if needed?
- Are you submitting meter readings regularly?
- Would you notice an unexpected increase in water use?
- Do staff know who to report water-related issues to?
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, it may be time to review how your business manages water-related risks.
Small steps can make a significant difference
Preparing for extreme weather does not need to be complicated. Many effective actions are straightforward and can be built into regular site checks and maintenance routines.
Checking for leaks, protecting pipework, monitoring usage and reporting issues promptly can all help reduce disruption and keep your business running smoothly throughout the year.
We’re here to help
Whatever the weather, understanding and managing your business water is one of the simplest ways to stay in control. Our expert advisors can help you understand your account, answer your questions and support your business with practical guidance, helping you stay prepared for whatever the forecast brings.
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