There a number of opportunities to reduce water waste when washing dishes, cleaning surfaces, preparing foods, and disposing of waste materials:
-
Run full loads of dishes
when using a dishwasher.
-
Scrape
any remaining food
off plates before washing.
-
Use water from the
steam table
to wash surfaces.
-
Do not use water to defrost
frozen foods
.
-
Dispose of waste in a
dry state
.
Bathrooms
Install high efficiency fixtures that include
low-flow shower heads, aerated faucets and high-efficiency toilets
. Aerated faucets utilize an air/ water mixture using a screen to reduce water flow and improve water pressure. Timing and sensory controls reduce the risk for hot water overuse.
You can also retrofit existing fixtures if you're not ready to replace yet.
Recreational usage
More than half of
pool water
can evaporate in one year, totaling a water loss of
approximately 7,000 gallons
. By finding ways to reduce water usage in pools and hot tubs, we not only save water, but also reduce the need to use more chemicals and save money on heating costs.
You can
dramatically reduce water waste
by implementing the following water-saving tactics:
-
Use a
pool cover or hot tub cover
(if appropriate) to reduce evaporation.
-
Lower water level
in pools to reduce waste from splashing.
-
Reduce water loss from
extreme splashing
and boisterous water play.
-
Use
efficient
water heaters and water-saving filters.
Laundry and linens
Using
laundry equipment with cycle and temperature controls
helps regulate water and energy use. Use laundering equipment with rinse-water reuse and continuous-batch systems. For small facilities, use high-efficiency equipment and run full loads of laundry. Detergents can be washed at 120 degrees F rather than 160 degrees F.
You can also implement linen and towel reuse programs, which allow guests to decide whether or not to have their linens and towels laundered every day. An effective program can reduce laundry loads by as much as 17 percent, and also helps reduce sewer water, energy and labor costs, and even adds to the life of your linens and towels.
You can offer a range of incentives, or just appeal to their desire to help preserve the environment. With minimal investment, you can still see considerable annual financial savings.
Download our Green Fixtures checklist here