Business Tips

How businesses can save water

Every business uses water in different ways. Whether your business uses a significant amount of water or uses very little, making small changes in your business practices can conserve water and help reduce costs. Here’s how to get started integrating water conservation into your business model:

Start a water conservation program: Water conservation programs are most effective when clear goals are set and everyone is on board from senior management to individual employees. Make your goals realistic, yet high enough to instill change and require effort. Allow these goals to serve as progress reference points so you are able to measure the effectiveness of your water conservation program.

Appoint a water conservation champion: Companies have better results if there is one person that is at the head of the water conservation effort. Select a designated leader within your organization that is responsible for setting the goals and manages the entire water conservation program.

Conduct a water audit: Many companies that use water for their business underestimate just how much water they are using. A commercial water audit will assess how much water your business is using each day and identify conservation opportunities. Audits can also uncover costly leaks where inexpensive repairs could help stop unnecessary water loss and save your business money. For more information about NMWD commercial water audits, please contact us.

Adopt water-saving maintenance practices: Access your WaterSmart portal to monitor the results of your water conservation efforts and watch for signs of water leaks. When using the Watersmart portal, you can view your hourly and daily water use and also set up alerts for leaks and high water use occurrences. Your business could be wasting water and not realize it if leaks exist that haven’t been identified and repaired.

Install low flow devices: One of the biggest culprits of water waste in businesses is the restroom. Install high efficiency toilets, when possible and check periodically.. If you already have these types of toilets, make sure they are adjusted to use the minimum amount of water required per flush and periodically check for leaks. All showering facilities should be equipped with low-flow showerheads at less than 2 gallons per minute. Showerheads with on-off valves provide the opportunity to conserve more water than those without. Similar measures should be taken for all faucet fixtures where hand washing sinks should have flow rates of 0.5 gallons per minute.

Ask for water efficient equipment: As you replace or order new equipment for your business that uses water, ask if there is an option for water efficient equipment. Equipment manufacturers are becoming more aware of the need for water conservation and are designing equipment that require less water. You may find that water efficient equipment is available and more cost-effective long-term and rebates/incentives and sometimes free fixtures may be available from NMWD.

Increase employee awareness: The more employees know about your water conservation efforts, the more likely you and your staff will work to get the job done.  Send updates to the company about your water conservation goals and progress, as well as place water conservation information in areas where employees congregate such as kitchens, locker rooms, and restrooms. Once employees start thinking about their water use, water consumption usually decreases.

Rebates are available for many types of water conservation devices and activities. Please contact us for more information.