Dorset companies are being encouraged to sign up for a new government- backed water saving campaign that gets underway next month.

Sustainable business experts Envirowise are urging businesses to join The Rippleffect, a free resource efficiency initiative focused on supporting companies as they look to improve their water efficiency, reduce consumption and futureproof against the bottom line effect of rising costs.

Envirowise, a government-funded programme that offers environmental advice for businesses, says it is possible for a business that has not considered its water use before to make savings of up to 30 per cent on water and effluent bills.

These savings can increase to 50 per cent by investing in long-term water saving projects and water-efficient technology.

Through implementing a number of simple low and no-cost measures to improve water efficiency including fixing dripping taps and installing water-saving devices, Enviro-wise estimates businesses in England and Wales could be making annual savings of up to 3.2 billion cubic metres, worth around £9.4 million per day, by reviewing their water usage.

Mary Leonard, a director at Envirowise, said: "Water is still considered by many as a cheap and limitless resource.

"The reality is that costs are rising and we are using far too much of it putting pressure on supplies.

"While cost-savings may be a key driver for water conservation, companies that do so demonstrate to customers that they are adopting best environmental practice. This offers a competitive advantage."

The Rippleffect is open to businesses of any size in England.

The deadline for joining the six-month initiative is September 10.

More details from the Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585794 or visit: www.envirowise.gov.uk/ rippleffect