You’d think we would have learned our lesson by now, but you’re probably still seeing stories on the news about extended periods of droughts, abnormally high summer temperatures and increased risks of water shortages happening right here in the U.S. – especially in California, Texas and the Great Plains region. All this makes it crucially important to know how water is being used in today’s homes, businesses and institutions. Here are six tips to managing your water better!
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1. Reduce your need for potable water
1. Reduce your need for potable waterSustainable buildings should be able to use and re-use as much water collected on-site as possible, for non-potable (non-drinking water) use. This is best achieved through water-use efficiency. Explore the many features and water-saving benefits of various technologies, such as onsite rainwater harvesting, grey water recapture and onsite water purification systems.
2. Conduct a water-use audit
For existing buildings, an onsite water-use audit is the essential first-step in creating a water management plan. It’s a detailed inspection of all the many ways your building or campus uses water. The water audit also pinpoints any sources of unintentional water losses such as leaks, bad plumbing, worn-out or outdated fixtures. A water audit should also include an assessment of the water’s quality. The data collected during the water-use audit will serve as the foundation of a water management plan.
3. Use the latest in water efficiency products
New construction projects and remodels need to factor-in water-use efficiency wherever possible.Plumbing products are a great place to start…
Toilets use a lot of water when flushing. So, choosing a high-efficiency toilet with a low-capacity flush is a very easy way to reduce water-use. A composting toilet or waterless urinals might also be viable options. Don’t forget about water-saving faucets and shower heads. Fixtures like these can accomplish the same tasks as older ones while using far less water.
4. Incorporate water-saving technology in your design specs
Have you ever had to wait endlessly for your shower or bath to get hot enough before stepping in? A drain-water heat recovery (DWHR) system is a low-tech solution that reduces the amount of time and energy needed to heat water to a desired temperature. Want to heat your water without any fuel costs? Consider a solar water heater.
5. Rethink your landscaping design.
Has your campus considered xeriscape landscaping? It’s a landscaping method that typically uses drought-resistant plants that require little or no watering. How much water does your campus use maintaining its grounds?
6. Use water wisely
A building’s overall water-use efficiency is probably more the result of behavioral science than engineering. This handy list can help educate your building’s occupants on the best water-conservation practices. Here’s a few from the list:
- Hotels and condos should use a pool cover to prevent water loss through evaporation.
- Irrigation controls should be set properly and timed to avoid unnecessary irrigation.
- Always carefully monitor your water bills for an unusually high rise.
- Don’t use the toilet as a trash receptacle.
- Use a broom to sweep your outdoor patios and walkways. Avoid hosing that debris away with water if possible.
Building and designing for better water management
It’s no longer a question of should you or shouldn’t you manage your water consumption. Let’s face it – the supply of usable water continues to decrease as the demand for water steadily increases. And the costs of water, waste-water treatment and services are rising, too. Many communities in the U.S. are enacting water-use restrictions to try and mitigate the risks associated with a water shortage. But, instead, by taking action to better manage our water supply now, we can hopefully reduce any negative effects upon our lifestyles, health and safety.
How do you design for water conservation in a new or renovated building project? Share with the GreenBuildTV community!
Contributor: David Johnson blogs for multiple companies on issues surrounding energy and the environment. He is also a musician who understands the delicate balance in life, separating harmony and discord, and remembering that all things are connected, including our environment and ecosystem.
