Municipal Water Supply: Water Conservation Information

When working with your local community on obtaining water, now is a good time to consider how much water you will need and the ways in which you can conserve water to save money. Many Wisconsin residents and businesses consider clean water to be an unlimited resource. But, in fact, our state's water supply is an exhaustible natural resource. To ensure sufficient water supplies for present and future generations, we must use this precious resource wisely. By effectively managing your water usage (for example using aerating faucet inserts or low flow showerheads) your small business can help increase the life of existing water supplies, minimize the impact of drought, and delay or minimize additional development.

By conserving water you can also have a significant effect on local water demands. And, in addition to the environmental benefits, your water efficiency programs will reduce costs and increase the profitability of your business through:

Water and Sewer Cost Savings,
Wastewater Treatment Cost Savings,
and Energy Savings

Furthermore, as water quality regulations become stricter and the cost of water increases, your wise use of water will help you gain an edge over your competition.

Links

WaterWiser, The Water Efficiency Clearinghouse

http://www.waterwiser.org/ (Exits DNR)

Water Efficiency Manual (North Carolina DNR)

This information-packed guide (Exits DNR) -- created for businesses in North Carolina, but of value to companies anywhere -- provides a wealth of resources on water conservation and efficiency. Tips, checklists, and success stories are supplemented with background information to help facility managers plan and budget water-efficiency projects, seek buy-in and support from top management, and integrate water efficiency into facility upgrades and new construction. Sections include industry-specific information for textile manufacturers, food processors, and metal finishers, along with auditing methodology and tools suitable for any company.

Water Efficiency and Management in Commercial Buildings

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority's Water Efficiency and Management in Commercial Buildings Web site (Exits DNR) details how commercial buildings can save water. Through case study examples and generalized action steps, the online document lays out how to use water more efficiently. It covers all facets of a building, from the grounds to the boiler room.

Facility Manager's Guide to Water Management

This comprehensive, 120-page guide is a facility manager’s dream, complete with step-by-step advice, implementation steps, worksheets, forms, checklists, and diagrams. It covers a broad spectrum of water-management issues, from plumbing fixtures to cooling towers to landscaping. In addition to the wealth of implementation help, there is also model paycheck stuffers and other devices to help foster employee participation, sample press materials for promoting company efforts -- even "Fun Filler Facts" to use in company newsletters and other publications.

http://www.amwua.org/fmgtwm.pdf (Exits DNR)