In a survery of UK businesses, undertaken by the government-funded sustainable business programme, almost two thirds of respondents said they do not measure or monitor water usage.
About 85% also said they do not have any water reduction targets in place.
However, Envirowise water specialist Claire Sweeney said: "With more than 12m cubic metres of water being used by printing, publishing and repro companies every year, there is significant potential for businesses to save money and reduce their environmental impact by taking action on water efficiency."
Research undertaken by Millward Brown on behalf of Envirowise in May 2009 via a telephone survey of 420 UK business decision makers found 61% did not know how much their business spent on water each year and more than half felt there was no cost-saving potential in increasing water efficiency.
Envirowise is hoping to encourage more companies to sign up to Rippleffect – a national initiative offering online advice and support to cut water waste and costs.
The initiative offers tips on rainwater harvesting, vehicle washing, and boiler and cooling tower operation.
Print and publishing industries 'could save 13,000 a day' by cutting water usage
The print and publishing industries could together save up to 13,000 per day by monitoring water usage more efficiently, according to Envirowise.
