How Business Can Save Money and Water

Nearly 70% of the planet is covered by water, but only 2.5% is fresh. This small amount of potable water — used to drink, cook and manufacture goods — recycles through the atmosphere. The freshwater we use today was likely around in some form millions of years ago, when dinosaurs still roamed the Earth.

Water is a critical resource — we all need it to survive. However, it’s used in vast quantities and often wasted. A single hamburger, for example, takes 630 gallons of water to produce. Cotton, used to manufacture clothing, is another water-intensive crop.

The population — and water usage — is growing at an unprecedented rate. By 2025, it’s estimated two-thirds of the world’s population will live in water-stressed regions. Due to concerns over water scarcity, organisations are adopting eco-friendly practices to conserve water, which in turn reduces energy consumption and saves money.

Third-Party Water Audits

Bring in a professional to audit your company’s water usage. An inspection will examine how much water you use on a day-to-day basis and identify ways to consume less. An audit can also discover hidden leaks that rack up costs. Ask your utility provider if they offer free water audits. If not, they may still offer rebates for the implementation of sustainable practices.

A Switch to Low-Flow

You can conserve water by implementing faucets, toilets and showers outfitted with low-flow restrictors. Instead of emitting the standard 2.2 gallons per minute, a low-flow tap releases 1.5 gallons. Old toilets also consume lots of water, around 5 gallons per flush. A low-flow upgrade, on the other hand, only consumes 2 gallons. These improvements increase water efficiency and save your business money.

Real-Time Data Analysis

Water is a required ingredient in many business processes, including manufacturing. With a system like MECO smartANALYTICS, real-time data is used to monitor and analyse operations, including pressure and flow rates. It also improves water purification efficiency and lowers energy costs. With the use of real-time data, experts can offer suggestions on effective water-saving strategies.

A Company-Wide Effort

Do you want to conserve? Then keep employees in the loop. Most will be happy to get on board. Each person plays a role in water conservation, and the up-front cost is zero. Ask workers not to run the breakroom dishwasher unless full. Turn taps off when lathering hands with soap, then turn back on to rinse. Create a system to report toilet or sink leaks when noticed.

More Efficient Equipment

When you make a small investment ⁠— like the implementation of more efficient machinery ⁠— you can generate long-term savings. No matter your industry, there are numerous types of equipment you can utilise to reduce, reuse and recycle water. The less water your waste, the more money you save. Also consider ways to reduce energy consumption, with sustainable options like solar-powered water heaters.

Water-Friendly Landscapes

Looks are important in business, including the outside of a building. However, maintaining a green landscape can be water-intensive. Choose native vegetation that’s able to survive in the natural climate. Consider a rain-harvesting system, where collected water is used for irrigation purposes. You can also use outdoor sensors to ensure you’re not spraying plants with excess water.

Water Scarcity in the Role of Business

Earth’s population is booming. Not only are there more people, but we’re using more water than ever before. In 2014, more than 40 states in the U.S. reported the expectation of water shortages within the next 10 years.

Water scarcity is a pressing issue, one that businesses need to be aware of. Consider which sustainable practices work best for your organisation, such as third-party water audits, low-flow faucets or outdoor water sensors. When you implement these practices, you will reduce water waste and also save money.

Bio

Emily Folk is a conservation and sustainability freelance writer. Check out her blog, Conservation Folks, or follow her on Twitter for the latest updates.