Water conservation is a topic oftentimes disregarded. If not prioritized by contractors and tenants equally, the ramifications can be costly. As the United States population grows, so does the need for water, and according to United Nations Children’s Fund, half of the world’s population could be living in areas facing water scarcity as early as 2025.
The suggestions below can provide counsel and help ensure multifamily units are suitable for adequate living.
The average American family spends more than $1,000 per year on water costs, which translates to about an $83 monthly water bill, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Fortunately, there are simple tweaks to help cut down on consumption and reduce that monthly spend.
INSTALL A NEW SHOWERHEAD
The average family could save 2,700 gallons per year by installing WaterSense®-labeled showerheads. These types of showerheads can also help alleviate water heater demands and save on energy consumption. Luckily, many of Peerless Faucet’s bath fixtures are proudly WaterSense®labeled, which denotes the fixtures use at least 20% less water than the industry standard without compromising performance. A great option is the brand’s 5-Function Showerhead with POWERush technology. This shower-head uses larger water drops in a unique wave pattern for a more drenching sensation. With this technology, expect a rejuvenating experience without increasing overall water usage.
MONITOR POTENTIAL LEAKS
Whenever faucets drip, it could be more than just water going down the drain. Faucet leaks waste environmental resources and cost tenants money, which in turn could be requested as a credit from property management. Experts estimate that even a small drip, once every 10-15 seconds, can waste almost 15 gallons a month, or nearly half a gallon in a day. You can easily check for leaks by observing the plumbing. It’s important to keep eyes peeled and physically feel exposed pipes to check for any running water. Condensation around pipes can also be a sign of leakage. For toilets, a simple dye test can even verify if the flapper is sealing properly and help prevent silent leaks.
CHANGE YOUR BATHROOM HABITS
Daily routines that are often overlooked can also have a significant impact on your water bill. For example, many may not realize that each time one leaves the water running while they brush their teeth, four gallons of water goes down the drain. Simply turning off the water while brushing is a simple way to save. Other easy solutions for conserving water are turning off the shower while lathering or the kitchen faucet while scrubbing dishes.
Both contractors and tenants should prioritize water conservation best practices. Water is universal, and an element shared by all, so making sure it’s preserved and filtered adequately can ensure a better quality of life and monthly savings.
This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.