A major water-saving scheme could help conserve more than three million litres a day

Southern Water is offering free water efficiency visits to 600 schools and businesses across Hampshire, aiming to reduce both usage and costs through practical improvements.

The visits focus on identifying and fixing leaks, installing water-saving devices, and exploring sustainable solutions such as rainwater harvesting.

Kim Turnbull, water efficiency delivery lead at Southern Water, said: "It’s essential we do everything we can to save water, and we know we can make a big impact through working with businesses and schools.

"Between April 2024 and April 2025 we carried out 300 visits across our region, saving more than 1.67 million litres a day.

"We’re now doubling that number of visits in Hampshire, with an estimated saving of more than three million litres a day – good news for the environment and for customers' pockets."

The company has pledged to reduce business water consumption by nine per cent across its network by 2037.

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This target is supported by Southern Water’s Business Partnership Fund, which has awarded nearly £300,000 in grants to help businesses develop and implement water-saving projects.

In Hampshire, Longdown Activity Farm in Ashurst used its grant to install low-flow taps and a rainwater harvesting system, saving more than 780,000 litres a year.

Winchester’s Theatre Royal also benefited, saving 225,000 litres annually by upgrading to more efficient bathroom facilities.

Southern Water has also reported progress in reducing leaks across its network.

In the 12 months leading up to April, the company cut leakage by 18 per cent – from 108.1 million litres per day to 91.1 million litres.

This daily saving of 17 million litres is enough to supply around 5,000 customers.

The water-saving visits and repairs are delivered free of charge by Southern Water’s charity partner, Groundwork.

Southern Water supplies water services to 2.7 million customers and wastewater services to 4.7 million customers across Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.