Being aware of water conservation at home will help you be more aware at work. Many of the smart watering practices you use at home also work for businesses. Different businesses, will of course, have different water needs and usages. Share your water conservation questions and success stories with other businesses through business associations, chambers, or by becoming a member of the Partnership for Water Conservation.

1. Educate your employees and customers
All businesses can encourage their employees to conserve, train their employees in water saving techniques and provide incentives for employees who develop water saving procedures. Don’t forget to let your customers know that water conservation is a priority for your business. Letting them know you conserve will help encourage them to conserve as well.

2. Have a water audit
Some local utilities will provide audits for free. Even if you have to pay, an auditor will help you maximize your water use efficiency, show you where problems exist and help you fix them. This in turn will make you a good corporate citizen and help your bottom line.

3. Fix Leaks
Businesses can save money and water by monitoring and repairing leaky faucets, toilets and pipes. Regular maintenance will eliminate water wasting and lower your water bills. Have your water meter read monthly to monitor your water usage.

4. Replace water wasting equipment and fixtures
Install low-flow aerators on company faucets. This can significantly reduce your business’ water consumption. Install water-efficient toilets and urinals. Use air-cooled ice machines. Replace air conditioners and refrigeration units that are cooled by water with those that are cooled by air. When applicable, ask salespeople how water efficient their products are. Most local utilities have incentive programs to help businesses retrofit with water-efficient fixtures and equipment. Talk to your local utility.

5. Practice good landscaping techniques
Did you know that studies have shown that small businesses with small landscape areas often are bigger water wasters than businesses with larger landscape areas? That’s because they tend to over-water. Just as at home, the lawn at work only needs an inch of water a week. If you plant more shrubs and native plants you will be able to water even less. Remember to use mulch and compost to build healthy soil and retain moisture. Install moisture sensors to help tell how much water you need. Keep irrigation systems in good repair; use appropriate sprinkler heads; water only greenery – not pavement and turn off sprinklers if it’s been raining. Also remember to water early in the morning or in the evening.

Click here to go to our Water Conservation Resource Library for links to other sites for more in-depth information and for more great at-work water saving ideas.