Overview: Businesses can lower their overheads by making the smallest changes in their day-to-day operations, and water management is an area with a lot of potential for change. Many businesses want to save more money on their bills, but they simply don’t know how. Allow us to help with a few simple tips.
When looking for ways to cut costs, businesses tend to focus on the most obvious areas, including energy consumption — putting timers on certain appliances, installing motion-activated lights that only turn on when needed, and so on.
But what they tend to ignore is that you can also make significant changes by using water more efficiently. Even when you’re careful with how much water you use, if your business relies on outdated equipment, your water bills will remain unpleasantly high. And that’s before taking into account the recent trends of inflation and rising energy and water bills. These days, a company should look for every opportunity to use water more efficiently.
Water is a vital resource that every business relies on, but it’s also a significant expense if you don’t make conscious efforts to avoid misuse. Saving water not only benefits your company’s financial line, but it also helps your organization become more environmentally responsible.
So if you’re a business owner or manager, and looking for ways to reduce your water bills without sacrificing your operations, here are some tips for reducing water bills for businesses!
Conduct a Water Audit:
A first step to consider taking to reduce your water bill is to conduct a water audit. Water audits for businesses are comprehensive evaluations of the water usage and management practices of an organization. The primary goal of a water audit is to identify opportunities for the business to reduce its water consumption, lower its water bills, and improve the efficiency of its water usage.
During a water audit, a trained auditor will analyze the business’s water bills and usage patterns, conduct a physical inspection of the premises to identify leaks or inefficient water use practices, and provide recommendations for improvements. The auditor may also review the business’s water-related policies and procedures and provide suggestions for best practices in water management.
By identifying areas where water is being wasted or inefficiently used, a water audit can help businesses save money on their water bills, conserve a valuable resource, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
>> Related Reading: How to conduct a water audit
Fix Leaks and Dripping Faucets:
This one is a no-brainer: You can save money on your business’s water bills by fixing your leaks and dripping faucets. Studies show that a faucet that drips once a second wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water a year. That’s a lot of precious water literally down the drain!
Leaking pipes and dripping faucets can waste a lot of water and add up to significant costs over time. Looking for water leaks can save your business money if you’re able to identify them early. Check for leaks and dripping faucets regularly and have them fixed immediately to prevent water waste. For assistance with fixing leaks and replacing fixtures, call an experienced plumber — like the team at NIR Plumbing!
Install Low-Flow Fixtures:
Installing low-flow fixtures such as faucets, toilets, and shower-heads can significantly reduce your water usage. Modern low-flow fixtures use less water without sacrificing performance, which means you can save money on your water bills without compromising the quality of your services. Consider installing low-flow fixtures in your restrooms, kitchens, and other areas where water is used frequently.
>> Related Reading: 5 Things to Know About Low-Flow Faucets and Fixtures
Implement Water-Efficient Landscaping:
Landscaping can also contribute to your business’s water bills, especially if you have a large outdoor area such as an arbor or a courtyard. Try implementing water-efficient landscaping practices such as using native plants, mulching, and reducing the size of your lawn.
These practices also help you reduce your water usage while maintaining an attractive outdoor space. The end result? You won’t have to do as much maintenance work, your water bills will go down, and you’ll still get to enjoy the fresh air!
Use Water Recycling Systems:
Water recycling systems can be an excellent way to reduce your water bills. These systems collect and treat water that would otherwise be wasted, such as wastewater from your sinks and showers, and reuse it for non-potable purposes like flushing toilets or watering plants. Water recycling systems can significantly reduce your water consumption and save you money in the long run.
>> Related Reading: Developers Build Water Reuse Into Commercial Real Estate
Educate Your Staff:
This holds true whether you’re a CEO, an HR spet, or a facilities manager: If you’re the only one at your business making an effort to reduce the energy bills in your commercial building, you won’t have much success. That’s why it’s recommended that you train your staff. Educating your staff on water conservation practices can also help reduce your business’s water bills.
Train your colleagues on how to identify and report leaks, how to use water fixtures properly, and how to minimize water waste. By making water conservation a part of your company culture, you can create a more sustainable and cost-effective business.
Schedule Water Use During Off-Peak Hours:
Many businesses use large amounts of water during peak hours, such as in the morning when employees arrive or during lunch breaks. This can put a strain on your water supply and increase your bills. Scheduling water use for specific tasks (such as watering plants) during off-peak hours can help reduce your consumption and lower your bills.
Regularly Maintain Your Water Systems:
Regular maintenance of your water systems can help prevent leaks, extend the life of your fixtures, and keep your water bills low. Regularly clean and maintain your water tanks, pipes, and fixtures to ensure they are in good condition and functioning properly. And remember to keep the number of a good plumber handy!
Use Water Meters:
Installing water meters can help you track your water usage and identify areas where you can cut back. By measuring the amount of water used in different areas of your business, you can pinpoint where the most significant water usage occurs and implement measures to reduce it.
Set Realistic Goals:
Last but not least — it’s essential to set realistic goals for reducing your water bills. Start by identifying how much you are currently spending on water and set a target for how much you want to reduce your bills.
Break your goal down into achievable steps and track your progress regularly to ensure you’re on track. Celebrate your successes and make adjustments as needed to continue your water conservation efforts. Good luck on your journey!
In Summary:
Reducing your business’s water bills is not only good for your bottom line, but it’s also a crucial step in creating a more sustainable business. By implementing these tips, you can significantly reduce your water consumption and save money on your bills.
Remember to monitor your water usage regularly, use efficient fixtures, and adjust your practices as needed to continue your progress towards more efficient water use. With these simple measures, you can create a more environmentally friendly and financially sound business.
At NIR Plumbing, we aim to help businesses and home owners alike with plumbing solutions of every kind. Contact us today to find out how we can help you!
