Plea to businesses not to waste water

Envirowise, a Government-funded programme which offers advice to business, estimated that companies in England and Wales could save more than £9 million a day if they were more careful about water usage.

Industry was warned that the current fuel crisis will "pale in comparison" if water becomes scarce and prices increase.

Mary Leonard, a director at Envirowise, said: "Water is still considered by many as a cheap and limitless resource. The reality is that we are using far too much of it and this is putting pressure on existing supplies.

"While cost savings may be a key driver for water conservation, companies that do so demonstrate to customers that they are adopting best environmental practice. This in itself offers a competitive advantage."

Firms could cut water bills by up to a third if they took action such as installing water-saving devices and fixed dripping taps, said Envirowise.