Water Saving Tips

Water Saving TipsUse these tips to help reduce your environmental footprint.

Water conservation starts with each of us. By slowing the flow and cultivating good water usage habits, we will help save the environment and cut costs. Check out these suggestions for improving water efficiency, and visit our Related Links section for more ideas on making your facility green.

Building Maintenance

Read water meters and sub-meter all major water-using systems. Graph and analyze data to spot trends that could indicate leaks or malfunctioning equipment.
Locate and repair leaks (such as dripping faucets, showers and continuously running or leaking toilets). Develop a regular maintenance schedule, and fix leaks immediately.
Install low-flow faucet aerators where possible.
Reduce water use in fixtures by installing high-efficiency products, such as HEUs and HETs.
Turn off any unnecessary flows.
Check solenoid valves and switches on all water-using equipment periodically; repair or replace as necessary.
Maintain insulation on hot water pipes.
Replace any water-using equipment or fixtures that wear out with water-saving models or air-cooled units where possible.
Reduce the load on air conditioning units by shutting off air conditioning when and where it is not needed.
Shut off water supply to equipment rooms not in use.
Minimize the water used in cooling equipment in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations. Shut off cooling units when not needed.
Consider a water reuse program and install appropriate water reuse system that meets your needs.

Cafeterias

Turn off the continuous flow used to clean the drain trays.
Turn dishwashers off when not in use. Wash full loads only.
Use water from steam tables to wash down cooking area.
Do not use running water to melt ice or frozen foods.
Use water-conserving ice makers.
Replace outdated appliances with new energy efficient and water efficient products.

Exterior Areas

Inventory outdoor water use for landscaped areas.
Do not water landscape every day; only water when needed. If water restrictions are in effect, adapt your watering schedule accordingly.
Water in the early morning or evening.
Make sure that water does not run into the streets or alleys.
Do not house down sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots.
Use time controllers on sprinkler systems.
Do not water on windy days.
Consider replacing your current landscaping with low maintenance plantings that are indigenous to your area.

Implementation

Make presentations to financial decision makers

Know your water and water-related costs, and present information with numbers showing costs and savings accrued over a 10-year period.
Present information in financial language.
Show current water and sewer costs, and compare with other utility costs.
Discuss lifecycle costing for equipment replacement.
Implement measures in phases, and develop budgeting plans for each task.
Chart and graph progress, and show dollar savings for implemented measures.

General

Initiate employee awareness and input

Offer incentives for successful ideas for saving water.
Post information on changes made, and seek feedback.

Encourage water conservation

Increase public awareness with bathroom mirror stickers and brochures with water-saving ideas.
Post signs showing your building-wide commitment to saving water.
Encourage water conservation at home as well.

Develop a water management plan

Delegate responsibility for actions, involve management of areas such as kitchens.
Make and meet environmental goals to save energy and water, and promote a "green" image for your facility.
Chart progress and post results.