England is facing an escalating water crisis, and the alarm bells are ringing across government, environmental bodies, and the media. With the Environment Agency projecting a shortfall of 5 billion litres per day in the public water supply, and a further 1 billion litre deficits for the wider economy by 2055, the future of England’s water sustainability is under significant threat. The deficit is the equivalent of draining 4.5 Wembley Stadiums every single day, a staggering one-third of England’s current water consumption! For facility managers overseeing commercial buildings, public spaces, or large infrastructure, this is no longer a distant issue. It is a growing operational and reputational risk that must be addressed now.
What’s Driving the Deficit?
The crisis is fuelled by a combination of factors:
- Climate Change: England is experiencing hotter, drier summers, and more unpredictable rainfall. By 2030, just 5 years from now, seven regions could be in severe water stress, expanding to nearly all of southern and central England by 2040.
- Population Growth: Over the last 50 years, England’s population has increased by more than 10 million, intensifying the demand on public water systems.
- Industrial Demand: Business and economic expansion continue to place pressure on limited water resources, especially in regions like Sussex, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, and Norfolk.
- Infrastructure Leakage: Ageing pipelines and underinvestment have resulted in significant water loss before it even reaches the tap.
This complex set of challenges makes one thing clear: the cost of inaction is no longer acceptable. Businesses and facilities have a crucial role to play in turning the tide and the Propelair proposition is perfectly placed as an instant and ongoing water savings solution for public spaces where high footfall contributes to significant water usage.
The Facility Manager’s Role in the Solution
Water bills are set to rise by an average of £123 this year, according to The Guardian, the highest increase since water industry privatisation. For businesses, this adds financial and reputational pressure, especially when ESG performance is in focus.
The government’s “Plan for Water” and the Environment Agency’s framework call for a coordinated, multi-sector response to water shortages. Facility managers are central to this, responsible for implementing conservation strategies and ensuring efficient water use across sites—recognising that council infrastructure upgrades alone won’t solve the problem.
The Environment Agency warns that up to 80% of the water shortfall must be met through reduced consumption. Among other initiatives, public washrooms where toilet flushing accounting for 50% of water use means that switching to Propelair’s water-efficient technology is essential.
Using just 1.35 litres per flush, the Propelair OneThreeFive toilet that is specifically designed for commercial and public washrooms, saves up to 85% with its 1.35 litre flush, compared to traditional 6 – 9 litre toilets. By replacing 7.65 litres of water with 70 litres of air, waste is cleared in just 0.75 seconds, delivering immediate, ongoing and measurable savings.
Fitted with IoT-enabled asset tracking, it gives facility managers the ability to measure, verify, and optimise water usage in real time, aligning with Ofwat’s call for innovation to ensure that companies are investing in the necessary infrastructure and managing resources effectively to avoid penalties or sanctions for failing to meet obligations toward water conservation.
For companies who has been enjoying the significant water savings offered by the previous generation 1.5lt Propelair toilet, retrofitting the new OneThreeFive cistern is quick, seamless, and low-disruption—requiring no change to the existing toilet pan.
Propelair OneThreeFive is a tangible, cost-effective step towards resilience, in the face of a national water crisis.
- Significantly reduced water bills and payback within 1–3 years
- Significant water savings, ensuring compliance to national regulatory bodies’ goals for water conservation
- Enhanced ESG performance aligned with LEED, BREEAM, and WELL standards.
- Improved hygiene through air-powered close-to-flush technology
- Data transparency and compliance tracking through smart connectivity. Real-time water tracking and usage awareness can drive better decision-making and reduce waste.
The Power of Collective Action
Public awareness around water conservation is increasing, but businesses must do more than acknowledge the crisis—they must lead. Facility managers are at the core of water use in commercial spaces and hold the key to making measurable impact.
With simple upgrades and a shift toward smart, sustainable washrooms, buildings can become part of the solution, and the Propelair OneThreeFive is proof that small changes, at scale, deliver powerful results.
Final Thoughts: Action Starts at the Flush
England’s water future depends on decisions made today. Facility managers who take proactive steps now, upgrading outdated infrastructure and implementing smart washroom solutions won’t just reduce costs, they’ll future proof their buildings, meet ESG goals, and help secure a more resilient water system for generations to come.