Commercial Conservation Tips

General:

  • Designate a water efficiency coordinator.
  • Develop a mission statement and a plan.
  • Educate and involve employees in water efficiency efforts.

Equipment:

  • Install ultra-low flow toilets, or adjust flush valves or install dams on existing toilets.
  • Install faucet aerators and high efficiency showerheads.
  • Use water-conserving ice makers.
  • As appliances and equipment wear out, replace them with water-saving models.
  • Eliminate “once-through” cooling of equipment with municipal water by recycling water flow to cooling tower or replacing with air-cooled equipment.

Practices:

  • Detect and repair all leaks.
  • Minimize the water used in cooling equipment in accordance with manufacturers recommendations. Shut off cooling units when not needed.

Kitchens and Laundries:

  • Turn off dishwashers when not in use. Wash full loads only.
  • Scrape rather than rinse dishes before washing.
  • Use water from steam tables to wash down cooking areas.
  • Do not use running water to melt ice or frozen foods.
  • Handle waste materials in a dry state whenever possible.
  • Wash only full loads of laundry or select the appropriate washing cycle provided on the washing machine. Use a rinse water recycle system. Consider purchasing high efficiency equipment.

Outside:

  • Wash vehicles less often; use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
  • If you have a swimming pool, consider a new water-saving pool filter.
  • Lower pool water level to reduce amount of water splashed out.
  • Use pool filter backwash for landscape irrigation.
  • Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation when pool is not being used.
  • Sweep or blow paved areas to clean, rather than hosing off.