Margaret Beckett is secretary of state for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. She recently helped launch The Big Splash, an Envirowise-backed campaign aimed at encouraging businesses to save money by reviewing their water usage.

Why target water usage?
The increasing pressure on water resources in this country is having associated impacts on the water environment. We must encourage more sustainable water use and strive to maintain and improve the water environment. It is time we fully recognised the importance of water conservation. For example, just a single drop each second from a dripping tap wastes nearly 5,000 litres in a year.

Are firms being encouraged to review water usage?
Last year the Government introduced the Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme for water-saving technologies, a tax relief that we hope will encourage businesses to invest in products that save water or improve water quality. It provides a real financial incentive for businesses to invest in sustainable water technology.

What does The Big Splash hope to achieve?
It is a challenge open to all UK industry, to encourage water minimisation and promote the associated cost-saving benefits. By registering to take part, companies will receive help and encouragement in many forms, such as industry-specific guidance and publications. There are also regional workshops covering water minimisation and an on-site water and waste review that includes up to a day’s free advice on resource efficiency from an environmental expert.

How soon can we see results?
Companies can sign up to take part until 17 December. The initiative itself will run until the end of March next year, at which point everyone who registered will be asked to complete a questionnaire detailing how they’ve done. The results will be compiled and the final identified savings figure will be announced. The 50 companies who achieve the largest reductions will receive Envirowise Certificates of Excellence for demonstrating environmental improvements.

To find out more, go to www.envirowise.gov.uk/bigsplash or call the free Energy and Environment Helpline on 0800-585794.