Water Conservation
Water Conservation
Clean water is essential to keep a thriving community thriving. While it may seem that our supply of fresh water is unlimited, only 1 percent of water on Earth is available for use by people. Managing water is a growing concern across the United States, and it is a resource we don’t want to waste. Residents and businesses alike have a large role to play in conserving and protecting our drinking water.
Get Started
- Install faucet aerators and high efficiency shower heads.
- Install ultra-low flow toilets, or adjust flush valves or install dams on existing toilets.
- As appliances and equipment wear out, replace them with water-saving models.
- Regularly check for and repair all leaks.
- Sweep paved areas to clean them, rather than hosing them off.
- Use captured rainwater for irrigation or other appropriate uses, and repair all leaks in irrigation systems.
- Water the lawn or garden during the coolest part of the day (early morning is best), and don’t water on windy days.
- Install moisture sensors on sprinkler systems, and set them to water the lawn or garden only—not the street or sidewalk. If possible, use soaker hoses and trickle irrigation systems.
- Use native plants in your landscape—they require less water.
- Use mulch around shrubs and garden plants to keep the soil from drying out.
- Eliminate or minimize the use of fertilizer.
- Have a professional perform a water use assessment and implement recommendations.
- Increase employee awareness: put up signs in the kitchen and bathroom reminding employees to reduce water use; track and report water use to employees; notify vendors (especially landscapers, laundry service) that water conservation is important to your business.
Resources and Organizations
LBWD: A 10-Step Approach for developing a water conservation program for your business
Developed by the Long Beach Water Department, this easy to use guide outlines a 10-step approach for developing an effective water conservation strategy for your business.
American Waterworks Association
An excellent resource for water conservation tips
GreenBiz Essential: Water Conservation
A concise and comprehensive overview by GreenBiz on the issue of water conservation for business.
EPA
- EPA WaterSense Program
A partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, WaterSense makes it easy for Americans to save water. Look for the WaterSense label to choose quality, water-efficient products, and go to the website for a wide range of resources for business including a water savings calculator and rebate finder. - EPA Water Efficiency tips for business
Our Water Our World
The Our Water Our World website was developed to assist consumers in managing home and garden pests using less-toxic methods that help protect the environment and local water quality.
