Save Water at Work (CII Properties)

Dipper Wells:

• Install a flow-restrictor before the main valve to reduce flow and save major amounts of water.
• Eliminate dipper wells altogether - check with your health inspector about regulations regarding such.

Hand Sinks:

• Install the lowest flow-aerator possible to still maintain health codes.
• Consider installing hands-free (foot or knee activated) sinks vs. automated faucets.
• Install low-flow Pre-Rinse Spray Valves with a flow rate of 1.2 gpm or less.
• Scrape plates to remove large food particles prior to using a low-flow pre-rinse spray valve.
• Don't wash fruits and veggies under running water.
• Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator vs. under running water.

Dishwashers:

• Install an Energy Star certified dishwasher.
• If possible, choose a "high temp" dish machine vs. a "low temp" machine.
• Retain factory rinse timer and rinse pressure settings - do not adjust!
• Only run fully loaded dish machine racks.
• Turn off conveyors and water troughs when possible.
• Perform regular maintenance on the dish machine/washer.

Ice Machines:

• Install an Energy Star certified ice machine (Air-Cooled Only).
• Perform regular maintenance on the ice machine.

Steam Cookers:

• Install an Energy Star certified steam cooker.
• Choose a connectionless steamer if possible/practical vs. a boiler-based steamer.
• Cut down on unnecessary preheat and idle times - use automatic controls.
• Use only as many steam compartments as needed.
• Inspect and maintain door gaskets and hinges to eliminate potential heat escape.

Combination Ovens:

• Install an Energy Star certified combination oven.
• Use "combi mode" sparingly and only when necessary.
• Cut down on unnecessary preheat and idle times - use automatic controls.
• Cook full loads when possible.
• Inspect and maintain door gaskets and hinges to eliminate potential heat escape.

Water Heaters: 

• Use a licensed plumbing professional to install or replace commercial water heaters/accessories.
• Expansion tanks and back flow preventers should be installed to prolong the life of the heater.
• Regularly inspect and maintain hot water heaters, especially temperature relief valves.
• Insulate hot water pipes with one-inch foam to reduce heat loss from pipes.
• Consider installing commercial grade - "on-demand" water heaters at kitchen and restroom hand sinks.

Laundry Facilities:

• Install an Energy Star certified commercial clothes washer.
• Commercial Laundry Facilities - Alliance for Water Efficiency

Mop Sinks:

• Regularly maintain/repair hose-pipe connections, etc.

Sidewalk/Parking Lot Maintenance:

• Sweep sidewalks and parking lots clean vs. washing down with a garden hose. (Note: The washing down of hard surfaces is prohibited in the City of Hays unless a special permit is obtained.)
• Provided a special permit has been obtained, consider using a water broom vs. a hose and spray nozzle.

Landscaping:

• Install Water Smart Landscaping.
• If considering an irrigation system installation, hire a trained (and hopefully certified) professional.
• Install a WaterSense labeled irrigation controller.
• Adjust irrigation controller based on season/plant needs - DON'T SET IT AND FORGET IT!!!
• Install WaterSense labeled spray sprinkler bodies.
• Check irrigation systems for leaks regularly.
• Preform a "catch can" test to measure irrigation system performance.
• Winterize irrigation systems to avoid potential damage and potential water waste.
• Group plants according to water use for most efficient watering (i.e. high water use plants should not be grouped with low water use plants).
• Have your soil tested and add organic matter.  A healthy soil will result in healthier root systems, which, in turn, create more drought tolerant plants.
• Select plants appropriate for the climate HERE - not Missouri, Oregon, Maine...
• Select plants, that once established, will require little to no supplemental irrigation.
• Select low water use, drought tolerant, and/or native plants if possible.
• Properly apply organic mulch around plants to retain moisture, reduce weed competition, and moderate soil temperatures.
• Avoid the use of inorganic mulch (i.e. rock, gravel, rubber) around plants.
• Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs and allow leaf litter to accumulate on the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation.
• After establishment, water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root systems.
• Water turfgrass to a depth of 6-8" only as needed.
• Water flowers (both annuals and perennials) to a depth of 12-18" only as needed.
• Water trees and shrubs to a depth of 12-18" as that is where the bulk of their roots are located.
• Know your plants...do they have shallow root systems or deeper ones?  Watering beyond the root zone is a waste of water!
• Only water when absolutely necessary - check the soil to be sure.
• Consider using rain barrels/tanks to collect rainwater and use as needed.
• Direct water from rain gutters and HVAC systems to water-loving plants in your landscape.
• Use a mulching mower and allow grass clippings to remain on the lawn.
• Don't mow too short!  Adjust the height of your mower for your specific turf species.  Taller grass blades help to shade the soil and reduce water use.
• Aerate your lawn as needed to relieve compaction and allow water and nutrients to filter down to the roots.
• Weed regularly!  Weeds compete for moisture and nutrients.
•  Only apply the minimum amount of fertilizer needed.  While fertilizers promote plant growth, they also increase water consumption.
• Set an alarm or kitchen timer when using the hose as a reminder to turn it off. A running hose can discharge up to 10 gallons per minute. 
• Limit water loss through evaporation by watering early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and winds can be lighter.
• Apply water only as fast as the soil can absorb it to avoid runoff. Cycle and soak if need be.
• Don't over water!  More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.
•  Use a watering can to water container plantings for more controlled watering vs. dragging a running hose.

Here are some general tips to help with efficient water use in a commercial setting:

• Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.
• Consider placing signage in bathrooms/kitchens to educate employees and the public on efficient water use and efforts being made to save water.
• Keep up to date with the latest water conservation rules/regulations as they may change based on drought conditions.
• Repair any and all water leaks!
• Report any suspected water main leaks to the Department of Water Resources.  
• Spread the word about the City's Water Conservation rebates and programs with employees and colleagues!