How can I save water at work?

31/07/2017 Sidrah Ahmad

The commercial sector which includes hotels, hospitals, government institutions, offices, restaurants and schools is the second largest consumer of water in the USA. Each sector has a different water usage patterns and faces distinct water saving challenges. With water pollution and climate change continuously affecting the global environment, the need to save water is increasingly growing. This is not only to lessen the burden of costs that build up due to water wastage but to preserve the environment by reducing energy required to process and deliver water. Are there proper ways that may help to reduce the water wastage at work? The answer is yes, and in fact, a little effort will make a big difference.

1) Routinely Check Pipes

Pipe leakages are one of the main reasons why water goes wasted as unseen or unfixed leaks can waste hundred or even thousands of gallons of water. A best practice can include regularly checking pipes and promptly fixing leaks.

2) Use Automated Taps

They're not only more hygienic but can save as much as up to 70% on water conservation when compared with manual taps. Automated or sensor taps also reduce the level of cross contamination and work to protect your team against bugs such as streptococcus, E. coli, shigella bacteria and the common cold virus, which are often found in restrooms.

3) Replace Old Toilets

At first glance, many toilets have little differences between them. However, inefficient toilets consume 5-6 gallons of water per flush whereas modern toilets employ only 1.5-2 gallons of water per flush. This improvement will save thousands of gallons a year and reduce your costs by a large scale.

4) Start At The Sink

Before you volunteer to wash the afternoon tea mugs, note that washing one load of dishes can use 13 gallons of water, whereas energy efficient dishwashers can use as little as 4-6 gallons per load. Remember to wait until your dishwasher is full before putting it on. However, if your company kitchen doesn't include a dishwasher, pre-soak all heavily soiled dishes in a bowl before you start washing up and avoid rinsing dishes under a running tap with a second bowl for rinsing.

5) Implement Smart Irrigation Practices

If your facility irrigates its surrounding landscapes, smart irrigation techniques and technologies will go a long way toward saving water at work. One key tip is to adjust your sprinkler timer for various zones and remember to turn your irrigation system off during the rainy season.