How to improve winery water use efficiency

Water is an essential resource for wineries, but it is also a limited and valuable one.

With droughts and water scarcity becoming increasingly common in Australia, it is crucial for wineries to prioritize water efficiency and conservation. In this article, we will provide suggested steps for improving winery water use efficiency.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the wine industry is a significant contributor to the Australian economy, with wine exports totaling $2.89 billion in 2019.

However, the wine industry is also a significant water user, with the production of one liter of wine requiring an average of 4.5 liters of water.

With such high water usage, it is essential for wineries to focus on water efficiency.

Water Audit

One of the first steps in improving water efficiency is to conduct a water audit. A water audit involves a comprehensive evaluation of a winery's water use, including water consumption, wastage, and potential opportunities for improvement. Water audits can help identify areas where water efficiency can be improved, as well as provide recommendations for water-saving measures.

After the water audit, it's time to consider implementing water-saving technologies. Waterform offers a range of water-saving solutions for wineries, including biological wastewater treatment systems.

These solutions can help reduce water consumption and save wineries money on their water bills.

Wastewater Reuse

Wineries can also consider reusing water for non-potable purposes, such as irrigation or cleaning. Waterform offers customized water recycling systems that allow wineries to treat and reuse their wastewater, reducing their reliance on fresh water sources.

Water Management Plan

Another effective step in improving water efficiency is to implement a water management plan. This plan should include regular maintenance of all water-related equipment, as well as a system for detecting and reporting water leaks. Investing in water-saving technologies and implementing best practices for water use can also help to reduce water waste and costs.

Employee Training

In addition to these steps, it's important for wineries to involve their employees in water conservation efforts. Educating staff on water-saving practices and providing incentives for water-saving initiatives can help create a culture of conservation within the winery.

In conclusion, improving water use efficiency is critical for wineries to reduce water consumption and costs, as well as to contribute to sustainable water use practices. By conducting a water audit, implementing water-saving technologies, and creating a water management plan, wineries can achieve significant improvements in water efficiency. As the Australian Government's National Water Initiative states, "Sustainable use and management of water resources is essential to the health and prosperity of our communities, economies and environments." By prioritizing water efficiency, wineries can not only save money but also contribute to the sustainability of the Australian wine industry.

According to the Winemakers' Federation of Australia, "wineries are being forced to change the way they operate in response to the ongoing drought and increased water scarcity."

By partnering with Waterform, wineries can access expert advice and customized solutions to improve their water efficiency and reduce their impact on the environment.

Contact us today to learn more about our water-saving solutions.