Upgrade inefficient equipment and processes

See our Water Conservation Incentives for more information about rebates on fixtures, toilets, water efficient appliances and equipment. See Large Equipment for information about building operating systems, cooling towers, industrial processes and irrigation systems.

Check for leaks

A leaking toilet can waste more than 50 gallons of water each day and a dripping faucet or showerhead can waste up to 1,000 gallons per week! 

Install faucet aerators

Inexpensive and simple to install, low-flow faucet aerators can reduce your business' water consumption as much as 50% and reduce your energy cost of heating the water also by as much as 50%.

Discontinue unnecessary water use

Instead of hosing down entrances, sidewalks, parking lots and loading docks, sweep to clean these areas. Avoiding cleaning your outside areas with water is also important for meeting stormwater quality regulations. 

Turn off water-using equipment

Turn off equipment when not in use, including dishwashers, garbage disposals, and food troughs.

Work with employees

Work with all employees to develop methods and procedures that will reduce water use. Evaluate how employees are using water and determine, with their help, more efficient alternatives. 

Incorporate water-efficient methods

Adopt best practices for food preparation, food thawing and clean-up procedures.

Reduce fleet washing

Use water reclaim systems and eliminate car lot washing and hosing.

Empower your customers

Allow customers to participate in water-saving practices. Let restaurant customers request drinking water and allow hotel customers to request clean towels and linens.

Read water meters monthly

Compare the results to the same month of the previous year. This will help you to both identify leaks as they occur and monitor your conservation efforts. 

Review your landscape watering

Detect and repair all leaks in your irrigation systems. Make sure the sprinklers are watering the landscaping only – not the street or sidewalk. Water your landscape at night or during the coolest part of the day and install moisture sensors to reduce unnecessary watering. See Large Equipment for more information.

Estimate savings

Both the Water Cost Calculator (XLS, 19kb) and Toilet Calculator (XLS, 116kb) can help you estimate how much money your business can save on utility bills by switching to more efficient equipment, technology and procedures.

Read success studies

Learn about how businesses and property owners saved by retrofitting their fixtures with new efficient ones.