Industrial water users forum at IWEX

Water utilisation and effluent disposal costs British industry one percent of business turnover: at the British Water "Industrial Users Forum" at Iwex 2003, lessons can be learned about reducing costs

At first glance there would appear to be little correlation between industries as diverse as glass making and engraving, metalworking and electroplating, textile dyeing, soft drinks manufacturing and food processing, until, that is, the common factor of water utilisation and effluent disposal is considered.

In their own way, each of these industries along with many others depend upon a regular supply of clean, useable water for both their varied processing activities and for their "house keeping" requirements such as heating, sanitation, cleaning, etc.

Similarly, at the end of the production and processing chain, they produce soiled and contaminated water for disposal.

It is estimated that the cost of water and its disposal costs British industry over one percent of business turnover.

With the latter estimated at around UK PDS 3000 million per annum, then the importance of efficient supply and waste management systems are clearly evident.

Through a number of free seminars at IWEX 2003 (11th to 13th November, NEC, Birmingham), including British Water "Industrial Users Forum", where issues concerning industrial water and waste-water will be open for discussion, lessons can be learned from those experiencing and overcoming similar problems.

Seminars by the Foundation of Water Research, OFWAT, Cranfield University School of Water Sciences and Water UK will also be aimed at finding solutions for the supply of clean water and waste water treatment.

Traditionally industry has relied upon utility providers to provide clean water and dispose of effluent, but as costs rise and regulations pertaining to the disposal of soiled water into the public system increase, more and more companies are turning to in house solutions to meet their specific requirements.

To lessen consumption, companies are turning to innovative recycling processes where through either the re-processing of used water or re-scheduling of tasks within the process chain, the reliance on fresh water supplies for every function is reduced as is the associated cost.

Effluent treatment and disposal presents somewhat more complex challenges since the contamination of water is as diverse as the industries where it is utilised, added to which, there are invariably capital costs concerned with the introduction of in-house treatment facilities.

With a number of methods and processes available, each has value in specific industrial sectors, however, the increasing regulatory demands concerning safe disposal of water requires that all businesses from whatever sector review their effluent treatment policy.

The UK water industry comprises many world-leading companies engaged in the supply of equipment and services directed to the treatment and monitoring of both clean water and effluent.

Many of these companies will be participating in the International Water and Effluent Exhibition to be held at the NEC, Birmingham from 11th to 13th November 2003, where they will be demonstrating how businesses large and small from across the industrial spectrum can address the increased demands in this eco and enviro-critial area.

Back to top