MOD declares war on water wastage

The DIO is part of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), which has set a target of reducing water consumption by 7% on its estate by 2016, relative to 2010/11 levels.

Operating approximately 260 main defence establishments, 140 training sites and 49,000 military homes, the MOD consumes around 17.5 billion litres of water a year.

The Next Generation Estate Contracts (NGEC) programme will mandate successful bidders to manage water consumption in single living accommodation, offices, sports technical buildings and other facilities.

As well as electricity and gas, the real-time consumption of water will be monitored and the data will be sent to a central DIO bureau which can track undue increases or deviations from standard consumption patterns.

This will ensure water consumption is kept at a minimum and that there are no hidden leaks in the system.

The MOD will require contractors to survey existing water-metering arrangements in defence establishments, and make improvements where shortfalls exist.

They will also be expected to propose and develop spend-to-save measures to water infrastructure such as sanitary facilities, plumbing installations, and changes to operational process.

DIO head of utilities Matt Foley said: “With several hundred thousand personnel living and working on 1% of British landmass we have an imperative to minimise water usage, particular in regions where water is in short supply.

“Industry has a wealth of innovation to offer in this area and it is vital that DIO harnesses that within its future contracting arrangements.”

Conor McGlone