Lower water cost
Savings found and measured against baselines.
Certification support
ISO 46001 Water Efficiency Management
Current edition: ISO 46001:2019
The management system standard for using water efficiently. It helps organisations measure their water use, find savings and improve water efficiency over time, in the same way ISO 50001 does for energy.
What the standard covers
Requirements, clause by clause
ISO 46001 follows the harmonized structure and adds water-specific planning.
4
Context
Water-related issues, interested parties, scope and boundaries.
5
Leadership
Commitment, water efficiency policy, roles.
6
Planning
Water review, baselines, indicators, objectives and action plans.
7
Support
Resources, competence, awareness, communication, documented information.
8
Operation
Operational control, alternative water sources, procurement and design.
9
Performance evaluation
Monitoring and measurement of water use, internal audit, management review.
10
Improvement
Nonconformity, corrective action and continual improvement.
Clauses 4 to 10 follow the harmonized structure shared with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, so the systems integrate cleanly.
Why organisations implement it
What a working water efficiency system delivers
Water security
Less exposure to shortage, restriction and price rises.
Reporting data
Reliable water data for sustainability disclosure.
Alternative sources
Reuse and alternative supplies assessed.
Permit compliance
Abstraction and discharge limits easier to meet.
Integrates with EHS
Works alongside ISO 14001 and ISO 50001.
How we work
Path to certification
One AEC methodology from first assessment to certificate, delivered by registered lead auditors.
- AssessGap assessment against ISO 46001, scope and roadmap
- DesignProcesses, risk register, policy and documented information
- ImplementProcesses embedded with coaching for process owners
- TrainAwareness for all staff and internal auditor development
- VerifyInternal audit, management review and mock certification audit
- Certify & sustainStage 1 and Stage 2 support, then surveillance readiness
Full implementation
No existing system. We design and implement from the ground up.
Typically 4 to 6 monthsGap remediation
Some documentation in place. We close the gaps and prove effectiveness.
Typically 3 to 5 monthsUpgrade & integration
We add water efficiency to your ISO 14001 or ISO 50001 system.
Typically 2 to 4 months
Who certifies
Independent certification, chosen to fit your market
Your ISO 46001 certificate is issued by an independent certification body accredited by UKAS, DAkkS or an equivalent national accreditation body. AEC prepares you for that audit; the certification decision is theirs.
CB-neutral
We are not tied to one certification body and help you select one your stakeholders recognise.
Audit-ready
Mock certification audit and closed corrective actions before Stage 1 and Stage 2.
No guarantees
We prepare you thoroughly and never promise an outcome only an independent auditor can decide.
Where it applies
ISO 46001 by industry
Food & beverage · processing and bottling
Manufacturing · cooling, washing and process water
Power & utilities · cooling and water utilities
Healthcare · hospitals and campuses
Education · universities and schools
Related standards
Questions
ISO 46001 FAQ
Does AEC issue the ISO 46001 certificate?
No. Certificates are issued by independent certification bodies accredited by a national accreditation body. AEC prepares your organisation for that audit.
Does ISO 46001 require a specific saving?
No. It requires measured improvement in water efficiency against your own baselines and indicators.
We have little metering. Can we start?
Yes. The water review identifies where measurement is needed. Many organisations improve metering as part of implementation.
How does it relate to ISO 14001?
ISO 14001 manages environmental aspects broadly, including water. ISO 46001 goes deeper on water efficiency, and the two integrate easily.
Start your ISO 46001 programme
Tell us your sites, water sources and metering. We reply with a proposal covering water review, implementation and certification support.
Certification decisions are made by independent, accredited certification bodies. AEC prepares organisations for certification and does not guarantee certification outcomes.