1. Analyse
A new submeter was used to analyse the production area’s water profile.
Eliminating water baseload
When submetering reveals continuous consumption outside production
Customer scenario
A new water meter was installed to measure consumption in a production area responsible for 30% of total site water use. The data showed water peaks linked to equipment cleaning and washing, together with a significant increase in non-production baseload. Investigation of the submeters directed the site team to solenoid valves, bypass valves and leaks that were sustaining unnecessary flow.
What our energy experts revealed
Submetering isolated a major area of consumption
The monitored production area accounted for 30% of total site water use.
Non-production data exposed continuous water use
The baseload increased from 500 to 1,000 gal/hour even when production was not operating.
Targeted repairs removed the baseload
The site repaired solenoid valves, open bypass valves and leaks, reducing the measured baseload to zero.
From insight to action
2. Interpret
The team separated cleaning peaks from the rising non-production baseload and reported the high consumption to the site.
3. Improve
Solenoid valves, open bypass valves and leaks were investigated and repaired.
4. Acheive
The changes delivered an annual water saving of 8,700,000 gallons and £64,192, equivalent to a 20% daily reduction.
Why water baseload matters
Water consumed when production is stopped usually indicates leakage, bypassing or equipment that is not isolating correctly. Submetering makes this continuous flow visible and helps narrow the investigation to a defined area. Tracking the baseload after repairs also provides direct evidence that the unnecessary consumption has been removed.
What is driving water consumption when production stops?
Talk to our energy experts to use submetering and baseload analysis to identify and verify avoidable water losses.
Talk to an expert