National water retailer Wave says it has helped UK businesses save 10.4 billion litres of water over the past five years, exceeding its target by almost one billion litres.
The company said the savings are equivalent to around 4,160 Olympic-sized swimming pools and come at a time when water efficiency is becoming increasingly important for businesses, public sector organisations and the wider water industry.
Wave set out the figures in its Social and Sustainability Report for 2025-26, which highlights the company’s focus on helping customers reduce consumption, identify leaks and use water more responsibly.
The report comes against a backdrop of growing pressure on UK water resources. Wave said an estimated five billion extra litres of water per day could be needed by 2055, making efficiency measures a key part of long-term resilience.
Leak alerts and efficiency support
During the year, Wave said more businesses benefited from High Consumption Alerts, which help customers identify unexpected spikes in water use. These alerts can support faster action on issues such as unnoticed leaks, a major contributor to water waste and higher bills.
The retailer has also continued its Big Blue Eco Booster Project, a partnership initiative that helps schools identify hidden leaks, improve water efficiency and reduce unnecessary consumption.
Wave said 169 schools have been supported so far, with plans to expand the initiative.
“Efficiency isn’t something we see as another business objective; it’s fundamental to the way we think,” said Lucy Darch, CEO of Wave.
“As demand for water continues to grow, we’re focused on helping customers make better use of the resources available while supporting the long-term resilience of the water sector.”
Technology added through Infersens acquisition
Wave said it has also strengthened its water efficiency offer through the acquisition of Infersens and its Cortense technology.
The technology gives customers smarter tools to monitor Legionella risk management, improve compliance and reduce unnecessary water use.
Operational efficiency has also been a focus inside the business. Wave said more than 70,000 customers have switched to paperless billing, helping reduce paper consumption while making account management simpler.
Social value and sustainability
Wave’s Social and Sustainability Promise also covers community and employee activity. During the year, employees contributed around 2,300 volunteering hours to local communities and completed more than 7,600 social value challenges.
The company also continued forestry activities at Wave Woodland near its Durham office to support biodiversity.
“Our Social and Sustainability Promise reflects that commitment,” Darch said. “Whether we’re launching new services, investing in innovative technology or working alongside partners to tackle shared challenges, we’re always looking for practical ways to create lasting value for our customers, our communities and the environment.”
During 2025, Wave was named Water Retailer of the Year for the third time at the Water Industry Awards.
Water Efficiency Services launched
Wave has also launched Water Efficiency Services, a neutral sub-brand designed to support practical water-saving programmes across the wider water sector.
The company said the move will help accelerate progress towards the UK’s long-term water efficiency goals by giving customers, wholesalers and partners access to specialist insight and delivery support.
“Water efficiency is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s an essential part of building resilient organisations and protecting our future water resources,” said Nigel Corfield, industrial and commercial customer director at Wave.
“By combining innovative technology, expert insight and strong collaboration across the water sector, we can help customers reduce waste, improve efficiency and make informed decisions that deliver lasting benefits.”
More information about Wave’s water efficiency services is available on the company’s website.
FAQs
How much water has Wave helped businesses save?
Wave says it has helped UK businesses save 10.4 billion litres of water over the past five years.
What are High Consumption Alerts?
High Consumption Alerts notify customers when their water use rises unexpectedly, helping them investigate possible leaks or unusual consumption more quickly.
What is Wave’s Big Blue Eco Booster Project?
The Big Blue Eco Booster Project helps schools identify hidden leaks, improve water efficiency and reduce unnecessary water use.
Why is business water efficiency important?
Improving water efficiency can reduce waste, lower bills and support long-term resilience as pressure on UK water resources increases.
