It’s no secret that businesses can use a lot of water. But it’s not only restaurants or those that use water in the manufacturing process that can gobble water. Any business with restrooms, a kitchen or break room or landscaping can waste thousands – even tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands – of gallons each year. That’s why a water audit is such a great idea. Many utilities provide low-cost audits of local households and businesses. Your business also can enlist the help of a company that specializes in audits. Whichever route you prefer, here are some important aspects of your business that should be analyzed:
Restroom facilities. Did you know that buildings consume 20 percent of the world’s available water? A leaky toilet alone can waste 200 gallons of water a day. That’s why all of your company’s toilets, sinks and water valves should be checked for leaks. In addition to addressing any leaks, you’ll want to consider investing in water-saving devices. Newer varieties of toilets and faucets, for example, are great at limiting the amount of water used in restroom facilities.
Landscaping. Collecting runoff, using reclaimed water, planting native plants and using water-saving systems outdoors all can help a business with a lot of landscaping save on water bills. In addition to an energy audit, your business may benefit from a visit by a landscaping company that specializes in water conservation.
Sometimes it can be difficult to choose which water-saving equipment or procedures to implement. An audit can help you map out your savings from larger investments over a significant period of time, such as five or 10 years, and determine whether the initial investment in water-saving initiatives makes sense. Want to learn more about saving water? Check out these 10 great tips for saving water at any type of business. Enjoy!
