Launched in July, the free resource programme, funded by the government, encourages businesses to reduce water consumption in order to help them protect themselves against the effects of the rising costs of water.

It consists of three online modules across a six-month period that Envirowise said can help businesses to monitor their water use and set targets for improvement.

Claire Sweeny, water specialist for Envirowise, said: "Businesses could reduce their water bills by as much as a third if they were to take steps to manage their water use more efficiently."

To join and for more information visit the Envirowise website.