The Water Technology List (WTL), developed and managed by Defra and the Inland Revenue, in partnership with Envirowise, offers a real incentive for industry to invest in technologies which use water sustainably, making for a win-win situation both environmentally and economically. The WTL encourages a more sustainable use of water, as products on the list must meet defined water saving criteria. Currently, the categories of qualifying technologies include:   • Flow controllers • Meters and monitoring equipment • Leakage detection equipment • Efficient toilets • Efficient taps   Rainwater harvesting equipment will be eligible from the end of the month.

Besides the environmental savings that can be made through using water efficient equipment, investing in any eligible equipment also offers a tax incentive to all businesses that pay corporation and income tax in the UK. Modelled on the Government's Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme for approved energy saving products (www.eca.gov.uk), the WTL allows businesses to write off 100% of the cost of investments in qualifying sustainable technologies and products against the taxable profits of the year of investment. For example, if a company paying 30% corporation tax buys eligible equipment worth £1,000, then its tax relief will be worth £300 for the year in which the investment is made.

Envirowise has demonstrated that through using water efficiently and minimising wastage, businesses can make substantial savings. Envirowise advisors estimate that sites, which have not previously examined their water consumption, can usually achieve around 30% savings on water and effluent bills immediately, by implementing simple water management measures at little or no cost to the business. By investing in WTL products, these savings can exceed 50% as they form part of a more structured and long-term water savings project.

The WTL demonstrates the strong synergy between organisations being environmentally responsible and gaining financial advantage through water efficiencies. To find out more about registering or purchasing products on the WTL, visit www.eca-water.gov.uk or call 0800 585794.