Cistermiser welcomes DEFRA’s Water Saving Targets

Cistermiser, a leader in water management, has welcomed the ambitious water saving targets for commercial buildings recently set by DEFRA.

These include a national goal to reduce water leakage by 37% by 2038 and 50% by 2050, along with specific targets for commercial buildings to achieve a 9% reduction in leakage by 2038 and 15% by 2050.

“Water efficiency is no longer optional; it’s essential,” says Richard Braid, Managing Director of Cistermiser. “We are proud to support DEFRA’s bold goals by providing practical, scalable solutions that make a real difference. Our technologies empower businesses to intelligently take control of their water usage, reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.”

Water scarcity and efficiency have become critical challenges for the UK, and DEFRA’s targets underscore the urgent need for action. A leaking toilet, for example, can waste between 200 and 400 litres of water per day1, often unnoticed, while a dripping tap can waste around 5,500 litres annually - losses that can be easily prevented with simple solutions. Cistermiser is committed to supporting these ambitions with innovative technology designed to optimise water usage in commercial and public sector buildings.

Cistermiser’s portfolio of water management products, including innovative urinal controls, flush management systems and intelligent washroom solutions, helps businesses proactively address water waste. By integrating smart monitoring technologies like these, users can identify and mitigate water leakage and waste accurately, reducing unnecessary water consumption without compromising on hygiene, while enhancing the sustainability of their water management practices.

These solutions align with DEFRA’s goals by offering proven pathways to measurable water savings, ensuring businesses contribute effectively to the national effort to conserve this vital resource.

Meeting these ambitious targets will require a collaborative approach which is why Cistermiser is actively engaging with water utilities, facility managers and policymakers to create and implement best practices for water management. Ongoing research and development initiatives aim to provide innovative tools that address both current and future water efficiency challenges.

Cistermiser is urging businesses, institutions and public sector organisations to prioritise water conservation as part of their sustainability strategies. Simple steps, such as retrofitting existing buildings with smart water management systems, can make a significant impact on reducing waste and achieving DEFRA’s targets.