Something’s been afoot in the Isle of Wight’s water system since the 1990s and it could be about to change the way you shower, water your garden and even do the dishes. It’s not a rogue crocodile or abnormally high levels of oestrogen... but it could make you some money along the way.
Feel it in your waters – the meter is on its way
It’s all part of a trend we’ve been keeping a close eye on for the past 12 months or more – the global lack of water. In previous editions of Profit Watch we’ve looked at how world water shortages have led to it being dubbed ‘Blue Gold’ or (rather unconvincingly) ‘The Invisible Commodity.
We’ve even investigated manufacturers of waterless washing machines and water purifying straws in order to hunt down the aquatic profit... but now we’ve spotted a trend a lot closer to home that looks pretty promising for those looking to make money from water.
It goes like this...
In a quest to reduce water wastage in the UK, the Environment minister, Ian Pearson, has just announced a serious consideration of whether the number of water meters in the UK should be increased.
Will the cost of teenage daughters decrease?
If this scheme goes ahead, water firms a little strapped for ‘The Invisible Commodity’ will be able to force their customers to install water meters. That means families will be able to see the cost of water escalating as their teenage daughter spends a lifetime in the shower... or the cost of keeping the petunias looking beautiful going up and up.
Trials of this scheme have already been conducted on the Isle of Wight where it was shown to reduce water usage by ten to fifteen per cent per household – so with the current momentum behind ecological causes we reckon water meters could be on this rise.
And what kind of profit opportunities does this throw up? Well first off, consider the meter manufacturers – at the moment I can’t find any listed companies involved in the meter market... but some lucky company is bound to land a contract with a water company if this goes through...
Next we should look to companies launching new ranges of water saving devices – water saving washing machines, dishwashers, toilets and bathrooms. Just as ‘economy’ electricity saving appliances have become popular so could ‘non-thirsty’ devices. Just take a look at the range of products at the website below:
http://www.greenbuildingstore.co.uk/water.php
There are even specific products aimed at businesses that could also do well – infra-red sensors for urinals so they limit flushing to when someone has well and truly spent their penny.
Cash in on a few big butts next year?
However, my favourite idea involves butts. Water butts, to be precise. With hosepipe bans left, right and centre and water meters recording your every aquatic movement there could be a big rise in demand for these big rain water barrels – and even irrigation systems that are attached to them.
And if you think a butt is just a big boring, ugly barrel, I beg you to take a look at the website below. You’ll find butts shaped like beehives, Menhir rocks and even Romanesque columns. There’s a whole world out there for you to exploit: http://www.capitalgardens.co.uk/v3/watering-irrigation-water-butts-c-781_889_875.html?gclid=CPiD3ImI1ogCFS43EQodlA88Ng.
If you time it right, the demand for water saving products could be a trend that could make you some serious money – just find the right products.
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