Start a Water Conservation Program
- Designate a water efficiency coordinator.
- Perform a water audit at your facility to help identify where your water goes.
- Survey the Facility
- Identify water source points.
- Develop a schematic of all water entry points (know where your faucets, time clock, solenoids, booster pumps, sprinklers and bubblers are located).
- Identify the capacity of each water-carrying unit and frequency of use.
- Determine the specific use for each entry source.
- Determine and document your baseline water use.
- Develop a mission statement and plan.
Engage Employees in the Effort
- Assign employees to monitor water use and waste.
- Educate and involve employees in water efficiency and reuse efforts.
- Install signs encouraging water conservation in employee and customer restrooms.
- Seek and develop employee suggestions on water conservation; locate suggestion boxes in prominent areas.
Initiate New Water Conservation Practices and Norms
- As equipment wears out, replace with water-saving models.
- When cleaning with water is necessary, use budgeted amounts.
- Read water meter weekly to monitor the success of water conservation efforts.
- Determine specific use for each entry source. Shut off the water supply to equipment and areas that are unused. CAUTION: ALWAYS check specific equipment safety precautions first!
- Watch the meter after hours or on weekends to see if there are any leaks. Larger, more complex facilities may need sub-metering.
- Identify and fix leaks immediately. Leaks can cause a lot of damage as well as wasting water.
- Instruct cleaning crews to use water efficiently for mopping.
- Switch from "wet" carpet cleaning methods, such as steam, to "dry" powder methods.
- Change scheduled window cleanings from "periodic" to "as required". Wash exterior windows with a bucket and squeegee rather than power-washing.
