Securing your Water Bottling Plant against Climate Change
As the threat of climate change continues to grow, the occurrence of extreme weather events is becoming increasingly common across the UK, with the rising frequency of flooding and drought posing significant challenges nationwide. After the recent dry spell experienced across the UK, one thing is clear: climate change is a hazard affecting all industries and it is more important than ever for businesses to take proactive steps to secure their water supplies against these unpredictable weather events.
We asked our Principal Hydrogeologist, Shona Symon, for her thoughts on the matter within the bottled water industry.
Shona, can you explain the importance for operators to safeguard their water bottling plant against the impacts of climate change, and what challenges may arise if not adequately protected?
Water bottling plants often have to react to meet changes in demand. As temperatures rise and the warmer weather sets in, naturally, more of us will reach for a bottle of water. With the UK currently experiencing a prolonged period of dry weather, climate change predictions show that these type of events will become more extreme and more frequent. Therefore, it is imperative that water bottlers remain responsive to demand surges, ensuring a reliable water supply to consistently meet consumer needs.
Water bottling regulations across the UK and Europe stipulate how water can be treated, bottled, and labelled depending on whether it is designated as bottled water, spring water or natural mineral water. As a result, if a water source becomes compromised, either due to a reduction in available yield, or changes to water chemistry, there is often no alternative source available. This can ultimately result in a reduction in production volumes or having to halt production altogether. Safeguarding water sources and strengthening climate resilience is therefore crucial for water bottlers to maintain efficient operations and meet fluctuations in demand quickly and efficiently.
How do you consider climate change in the work you do within the bottled water industry?
Source protection and climate resilience are at the heart of everything we do, and we recognise the effects of climate change are not only inevitable but expected to intensify.
Envireau Water take a proactive approach to building long-term resilience into water supply systems by ensuring water sources are properly designed, adequately constructed and properly managed, alongside identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce excess water use. By raising awareness and offering practical, forward-thinking solutions, we empower clients to safeguard their operations against future uncertainty.
What can operators do to maximise their resilience?
One way that water bottlers can de-risk their operations is to prioritise robust data collection, maintaining consistent monitoring of water levels, flow rates and water quality across their sources. Early identification of trends or anomalies ensure that preventative measures can be implemented, reducing the risk of serious disruptions and costly financial losses.
Envireau Water is ready to assist new and existing clients with their water resource challenges. Contact Shona at Shonasymon@envireauwater.co.uk to discuss the challenges at your site.
About Envireau Water
Envireau Water is a team of expert water scientists and engineers who provide guidance on the management and regulation of natural water systems across the UK. By working collaboratively with our clients and the regulators, we deliver robust, sustainable solutions that meet the requirements of all stakeholders. With a loyal client base and our ability to work seamlessly throughout the four nations of the UK, many of our clients know us individually and trust us to find resolutions to their water problems for years to come.
