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Save Water at Work (CII Properties)
Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional (CII) Properties are some of the most diverse when it comes to water usage. For an in depth look at saving water in commercial settings; check out WaterSense at Work: Best Management Practices.
Click on the tabs below for some CII water saving tips:
- Install high efficiency WaterSense labeled toilets and consider power assist or dual flush units that flush at 1.28 gpf or less.
- Install high efficiency WaterSense labeled urinals that flush at 0.13 gpf or less.
- Regularly check for toilet leaks and repair as necessary.
- Install faucet aerators at all hand sinks.
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!