 Using Water Efficiently: Ideas for Commercial Businesses
Please note that these suggested measures are not intended to
supersede more stringent state, Tribal, or local health and safety
regulations.
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 shower heads.
- 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.
Landscaping:
This document is also available in PDF
(2 pp, 1.8MB, About PDF).
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