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Water Efficiency
Measures for Municipalities
Getting Started:
- Designate a water efficiency coordinator.
- Develop a water efficiency plan. See the U.S.
EPA Water Conservation Guidelines.
- Educate and involve employees and residents in water efficiency
efforts.
System Improvements - Keep a tight system, look at alternative
sources:
- Implement a water-loss management program (e.g. repair leaks).
The water industry goal for unaccounted-for-water is 10%.
- Water utilites should strive for universal metering.
- Consider a reclaimed wastewater distribution system for non-potable
uses.
- Ensure that fire hydrants are tamper proof.
Equipment Changes - Set a good example by using water
efficient equipment:
- Install ultra-low flow toilets and urinals in municipal buildings,
or by installing dams on existing toilets. Retrofit water-saving
devices in flushometer valves.
- Install faucet aerators and low flow shower heads in municipal
buildings.
- As municipal appliances or equipment wear out, replace them
with water-saving models.
- Minimize the water used in cooling equipment in accordance
with manufacturers recommendations. Shut off cooling units
when not needed.
- Eliminate "once-through" cooling of equipment with municipal
water by recycling water flow to cooling tower or replacing
with air-cooled equipment.
- Consider installing new water-saving pool filters.
Policies and Programs to Encourage Efficient Water Use:
- Ensure the utility rate structure encourages water efficiency,
or at least does not encourage water waste.
- Offer incentive programs (rebates/tax credit) to homeowners
and businesses to encourage replacement of plumbing fixtures
and appliances with water-efficient models.
- Make retrofit kits for residences and businesses available
free or at cost. Kits may contain low flow faucet aerators,
high efficiency showerheads, leak detection toilets, and replacement
valves.
- Promote water-efficient landscape practices to home owners
and businesses, especially those with large, irrigated properties.
Practices include use of native plants, landscape innovation
to reduce water use , and more efficient irrigation. See link
below for more information.
Landscaping: Please
click here to see the Landscaping Section for appropriate measures.
Other Measures - For a full list of municipal
water efficiency measures see Appendix
A of the U.S. EPA Water Conservation Plan Guidelines.
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