Water Saving Tips for Commercial Buildings

A list of watersaving tips for commercial buildings:

General Suggestions

  • Increase employee awareness of water conservation.
  • Install signs encouraging water conservation in employee and customer restrooms.
  • When cleaning with water is necessary, use budgeted amounts.
  • Determine the quantity and purpose of water being used.
  • Read water meter weekly to monitor success of water conservation efforts.
  • Assign an employee to monitor water use and waste.
  • Seek employee suggestions on water conservation; locate suggestion boxes in prominent areas.
  • Get creative! Determine other methods of water conservation specific to your situation.

Building Maintenance

  • Check water supply system for leaks.
  • Turn off any unnecessary flows.
  • Repair dripping faucets, showers and continuously running or leaking toilets.
  • Install faucet aerators where possible.
  • Reduce the load on air conditioning units by shutting off air conditioning when and where it is not needed.
  • Reduce toilet water by adjusting flush valves or installing dams and flapper mechanisms.
  • As appliances or fixtures wear out, replace them with water-saving models.
  • Shut off water supply to equipment rooms not in use.
  • Minimize the water used in cooling equipment in accordance with manufacturers recommendations. Shut off cooling units when not needed.

Cafeteria Area

  • Turn off the continuous flow used to clean the drain trays.
  • Turn dishwasher off when not in use. Wash full loads only.
  • Use water from steam tables to wash down cooking area.
  • Do not use running water to melt ice or frozen foods.
  • Use water-conserving ice makers.

Exterior Areas

  • Inventory outdoor water use for landscaped areas.
  • Water landscapes only when needed. Two-to-three times a week is usually sufficient.
  • Water in the early morning or evening.
  • Make sure that water does not run into the streets or alleys.
  • Stop hosing down sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots.
  • Use time controllers on sprinkler systems.
  • Do not water on windy days. 

For More Information
For more information contact the Water Supply Program at 410-537-3589 or water.supply@maryland.gov.​

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