Best Management Practice: Information and Education Programs
Education is essential if water efficiency technologies and methods are to be successful. It is not enough to install a retrofit or water saving technology in a facility. New operation procedures, retrofits, and replacements are most effective when employees, contractors, and the public know what the new technology or methods are and how to use them properly.
An additional benefit to water efficiency is positive public opinion. If your facility is doing its part to save community resources, let the community know. Informing the public about your facility's commitment to reduce waste is good news. The news media is often interested in facilities that take a proactive stand on water efficiency.
This page outlines options for:
Internal Information and Education Options
The following options are available to help Federal agencies conduct internal communication and education programs.
-
Establish a user-friendly hotline or other communication system internal stakeholders can use to report water leaks or other wastes of water and energy. Repair reported leaks promptly to encourage continued participation.
-
Keep employees informed about your commitment to water efficiency, ongoing improvement programs, and any program successes. Start a water conservation column in your building or agency newsletter featuring how much water has been saved through the water management program.
-
Share information with employees on how water is used at your facility and how much water is used for each application. This communicates how employee actions can reduce water use.
-
Place signs and placards near new equipment, making it easy to understand the new technology and how to use it properly.
-
Start a suggestion and incentive system to recognize and encourage water savings in your facility. Consider distributing efficiency devices. Communicate progress towards achieving water use reduction goals.
-
Conduct regular training workshops for implementing water efficiency best management practices. Include maintenance personnel to keep them up to date on operational changes and maintenance procedures.
-
Integrate water management into the facility environmental management system (EMS). Consider water use as an environmental aspect of the EMS. Existing EMS teams and procedures can serve as a powerful method to involve and train employees and to monitor and communicate progress.
External Information and Education Options
The following options are available to help Federal agencies conduct external communication and education programs.
-
Work with local utilities to develop comprehensive programs and to share successes with other similar facilities.
-
Invite members of the local news media to tour your facility and see first-hand the efficiency program and achieved successes.
-
Create displays presenting facility water savings for posting in your lobby and other public reception areas.
-
Develop Web sites, brochures, and other materials for distribution to employees and the public describing your program, goals, and successes.
Resources
The following resources provide guidance on water best management practices.
-
EPA, WaterSense Program: Partnership program making it easy for Americans to save water and protect the environment through consistent measurement and labeling standards.
-
American Water Works Association: Organization providing educational resources on water topics.
-
Water Use It Wisely: Conservation program with educational materials and water saving tips.
Case Study
The U.S. Army Fort Huachuca contracted the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension to provide comprehensive water and energy conservation awareness programs under its Water Wise and Energy Smart (WWES) program. Ongoing since 1998, this program
provides outreach, education, and services to approximately 14,000 Fort Huachuca civilian employees and their families.