Commercial enterprises account for more than half of the world’s daily water consumption. Corporations alone account for 40%, and just one large commercial building can use as much as 22,000 gallons a day. This is not only bad from an environmental standpoint but also a financial one. Through better water conservation, businesses can lower their plumbing-related costs by between 20% and 50%.
Hidden Leaks
Hidden leaks result in big losses for businesses every year. While major leaks are obvious, small leaks can go unnoticed for months and even years. Even something as simple as a running toilet can waste around 200 gallons a day. Commercial organizations should track their water consumption month to month and year to year. Business owners should also avoid the mistake of not scheduling plumbing services until there’s an obvious problem. Through annual inspections, a plumber can help you prevent leaks and other plumbing problems.
Pressure Regulation and Backflow Prevention
Most commercial buildings should have a pressure regulator and a backflow preventer. Those systems require annual inspections. Depending on your local jurisdiction, you may need an annual certification of your backflow preventer. A well-maintained pressure regulator can also serve as an early warning system for leaks and other plumbing problems.
High-Efficiency Toilets
Old toilets can contribute to significant water waste because they can use 5 gallons or more every flush. If your toilets are older than 15 years, consider upgrading. Modern toilets will use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush due to federal regulations. High-efficiency toilets (HETs) will use 1.28 gallons or less, which can provide significant water savings. You can also improve water savings through automatic and dual flushing capabilities.
Fixture-Related Solutions
All faucets throughout your business should have low-flow aerators. These aerators can reduce water consumption while maintaining the perception of high water pressure. Consider upgrading to touchless faucets that eliminate accidental water waste. If you have on-site showers, upgrade them to low-flow showerheads and automatic shutoff timers.
Optimize Landscaping
If you have or want an irrigation system, consider upgrading to smart irrigation. Smart systems have environmental monitors and will only provide as much water as needed. That can significantly reduce irrigation-related water use. During rainy periods, you’ll barely use any water at all. For additional savings, consider upgrading your landscape with drought-resistant plants that don’t need much water.
Reusing Water Where Possible
Rainwater harvesting can all but eliminate irrigation-related water consumption. Businesses should also consider investing in gray water systems. These systems can repurpose lightly used water for flushing toilets, server room cooling, irrigation, some laundry, and other non-potable applications.
Don’t allow hard-earned profits to go down the drain. Call Andy’s Plumbing or contact us online to schedule a professional assessment of your commercial water usage in Ormond Beach, FL.
