Business, Eco & Environment | Posted on February 13th, 2026 | return to news

Bournemouth company launches water-saving fund

Bournemouth Water’s new Water Efficiency Business Innovation Fund has been launched to help businesses save water.

Any company which uses water to operate is eligible to apply to Bournemouth Water’s new Water Efficiency Business Innovation Fund, which supports businesses across the region to implement water-saving ideas.

Innovative ways to save water could include using rainwater where tap water is not needed, optimising washing processes for food, beverage or laundry businesses, treating wastewater for reuse, or introducing new technology to reduce mains water demand.

Running alongside the new fund is Bournemouth Water’s Water Saving Community Fund, which supports grassroots projects that benefit local communities by promoting water saving.

Since April 2025, the Water Saving Community Fund has given away over £62,000 to 28 projects, helping to save 2.8 million litres of tap water.

This funds have been used for: equipment hire and purchase; building and installation materials; skills and training; and professional fees (process consultants, builders, contractors).

The fund is open to a range of ideas, with funding of up to £15,000 available for larger projects.

Carmen Snowdon, the water company’s senior demand strategy manager, said: “We’re always thinking about water conservation, and we want to support all our customers to do the same.

“While our reservoirs are in a healthy position after a wet start to the year, climate change is showing us that we all need to be mindful of the water we use all year round.

“The support on offer from our new Water Efficiency Business Innovation Fund will help businesses that typically use a lot of water to feel empowered and supported with their water-saving projects. We can’t wait to see what kinds of ideas businesses come up with.”

In addition to supporting businesses and community-led water-saving schemes, teams at Bournemouth Water say they are working hard to drive down leakage in the network.

The company is also helping customers to find leaks and supporting repairs, as around 30 per cent of water loss in the region comes from pipework that belongs to customers.

For more information on who is eligible and how to apply, visit https://www.bournemouthwater.co.uk/innovation-fund.