Water Efficiency And The Link To ISO 46001

In this episode, David Muil, Global VP of Sustainability for Intertek, explains the importance of water efficiency and how organizations can benefit from implementing ISO 46001:2019, the Water Efficiency Management System standard. 

The discussion covers the core components of the standard, its environmental and financial benefits, and real-world examples of companies achieving significant water savings. This episode offers valuable insights for businesses looking to optimize water use, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability through effective water management practices. Tune in now!

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Transcript

🎙 Natalia:
Welcome to water efficiency and the link to ISO46001. in this podcast where we dive into sustainable practices that help businesses and organizations optimize resource use. I’m Natalia Farina your host, and today, we’re focusing on ISO 46001:2019, the Water Efficiency Management System standard.  This session is very timely with world water day taking place March 22nd, 2025.  

To help us understand what ISO 46001 is and why it matters, I’m joined by David Muil, Global VP of sustainability for Intertek. Thanks for joining me today, David!

🎙 David:
Thank you, Natalia! I’m excited to be here. Water efficiency is becoming a critical issue for businesses, and ISO 46001 provides a structured way to manage it effectively.

🎙 Natalia:
Absolutely! Today, we’ll break down what this standard is, why it’s important, and how organizations can benefit from implementing it. Let’s dive in! 

First off, let’s start with the basics. David, can you explain what ISO 46001 is?

🎙 David:
Of course! ISO 46001 is an international standard for Water Efficiency Management Systems (WEMS). It provides organizations with a structured framework to improve water efficiency by identifying, planning, and monitoring water use, while promoting sustainability and regulatory compliance.

🎙 Natalia:
So, this isn’t just about conservation but also about structured water management within organizations?

🎙 David:
Exactly! Many businesses waste a significant amount of water due to inefficient processes, leaks, and lack of monitoring. ISO 46001 helps organizations track water usage, set efficiency targets, and continuously improve their performance.

🎙 Natalia:
And who can benefit the most from this standard?

🎙 David:
It’s beneficial for a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, agriculture, and municipalities. Any organization that consumes a large amount of water can reduce costs and enhance sustainability with this system.

🎙 Natalia:
Now that we understand what ISO 46001 is, let’s go over the key requirements. What are the core components organizations need to follow?

🎙 David:
Great question! The standard is built around several key components:

1. Water Policy & Leadership Commitment – Organizations need to define a clear water efficiency policy with leadership support.
2. Water Review & Planning – Conducting a water usage review to identify where and how water is used.
3. Performance Indicators & Targets – Establishing KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), like water use per unit of production.
4. Implementation & Monitoring – Organizations need to install meters, track consumption, and ensure operational control.
5. Internal Audits & Continuous Improvement – Regular assessments to ensure ongoing efficiency improvements.

🎙 Natalia:
It sounds like a very structured system. But how does an organization determine its water consumption baseline?

🎙 David:
They need to conduct a water audit—measuring how much water they use daily, where the water is being consumed, and identifying inefficiencies. This baseline is then used to set improvement targets.

🎙 Natalia:
That makes sense. So, once an organization has a baseline, they can start implementing improvements, right?

🎙 David:
Exactly! They can focus on reducing leaks, using efficient fixtures, recycling water, and employee training to drive real savings.

🎙 Natalia:
Let’s talk about why organizations should care about ISO 46001. What are the key benefits of getting certified?

🎙 David:
Great question! The benefits are huge:

1. Cost Savings – Reducing water consumption leads to lower utility bills.
2. Regulatory Compliance – Many regions have strict water regulations, and ISO 46001 helps businesses stay compliant.
3. Sustainability Goals – Companies can use ISO 46001 to meet ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) targets.
4. Competitive Advantage – Businesses that demonstrate sustainable water management gain a stronger reputation and attract eco-conscious customers and investors.

🎙 Natalia:
That’s a powerful incentive! Have you seen companies achieve major water savings after implementation?

🎙 David:

Yes, there's numerous examples. In fact, drawing on one just from Intertek itself.
 Intertek took a deep look at water consumption in one of our laboratories in Bangladesh. The site upgraded its ETP, or effluent treatment plant to recycle over 20,000 liters of wastewater daily. This treated water is actually now repurposed for gardening and toilet flushing, and achieving 0 liquid discharge, meaning no industrial.
The wastewater remains after treatment, so essentially exceeding government regulations. And there's other examples of manufacturers are simply making fixes with better monitoring, employee awareness and early leak detection as part of an existing maintenance and preventive maintenance program on a lot of the equipment. Something we might not have paid attention to in the past.

🎙 Natalia:
That’s impressive! Clearly, this standard is not just about compliance—it’s about real financial and environmental impact.

Alright, let’s say a company wants to get started. What are the first steps to implementing ISO 46001?

🎙 David:
It typically follows these steps:

1. Conduct a Water Review – Measure current consumption and identify inefficiencies.
2. Develop a Water Efficiency Policy – Get leadership support and define clear objectives.
3. Implement Monitoring Tools – Install water meters and tracking systems.
4. Train Employees – Engage staff in water-saving practices.
5. Undergo Audits & Certification – Work with ISO certification bodies to ensure compliance.

🎙 Natalia:
How long does the certification process typically take?

🎙 David:
It depends on the size and complexity of the organization. On average, it takes 6 to 12 months from planning to certification.

🎙 Natalia:
And once certified, how often should companies reassess their performance?

🎙 David:
Annual audits are recommended, with continuous monitoring to ensure ongoing improvements.

🎙 Natalia:
This has been an insightful discussion, David ! To wrap up, what’s your final message for organizations considering ISO 46001?

🎙 David:
My message is simple: start small! Even if you don’t pursue full certification, tracking water use and making small efficiency changes can save money and benefit the environment. Many believe including myself that water will be the Gold of the future.

🎙 Natalia:
That’s a great takeaway! Thank you so much for joining us today, David.

🎙 David:
Thank you, Natalia’s Name! It was great talking about this important topic.

🎙 Natalia:
Thank you to our listeners for tuning in to this episode of Understanding Water Efficiency and the Link to ISO 46001.

If you have any questions on getting started or the certification process do not hesitate to reach at business.assurancei@intertek.com. Until next time!