Multifamily housing communities waste thousands of gallons of water per month, primarily due to the large amount of fixtures on the property and inefficient water practices. This raises the question, how do you manage your water on such a large scale? Here are some possible solutions to increase water efficiency in your multifamily housing community:
Reduce Irrigation Water Use
This is a seemingly obvious way for multifamily housing communities to save money on water, however, irrigation issues are one of the biggest ways that water is wasted. Some ways to promote irrigation efficiency include:
Pay Attention to When You are Watering
Landscape irrigation can waste water fast without proper management. Most multifamily housing communities use irrigation systems that are on a timer. Convenient as they are, timers often allow sprinkler and irrigation systems to water landscapes when it is raining or when it just recently rained. Installing a moisture sensor can be a great way to reduce water waste and prevent damage to both your landscape and building foundation.
Check for Leaks
Walking your property often will help you determine if there are any existing leaks and will enable you to be proactive in terms of conserving water. A damaged mainline or sprinkler can waste considerable water and cause catastrophic damage to parking lots and landscape areas. Using a smart water management system like WaterSignal can help you monitor for leaks and keep track of usage from any internet-enabled device.
Upgrade Your Irrigation System
Upgrading your irrigation system can make all of the difference when it comes to water efficiency. An up-to-date system will give your community a fresh start and provide valuable peace of mind.
Pay Attention to Pools and Fountains
Pools and fountains are a popular asset in multifamily housing communities; however, they are also one of the major offenders in terms of water waste. Below are some tips that will make your pools and fountains more water efficient.
Check Equipment for Leaks
Often pool and fountain leaks fly under the radar, so it’s important to frequently check your equipment for leaks. Usually, if these leaks are caught early, they are easy to fix as well.
Turn Off Water Features When Not in Use
Turning off water features at night or on a rainy day can reduce wear on the fixture and reduce evaporation. By turning off water features when not in use, you will also save money on energy.
Indoor Water Usage
Indoor water usage is a major issue for multifamily housing communities because managers and residents don’t realize just how much water they are using. An expert from Superior Deck & Fence, a deck builder in Cherry Hill with years of experience working in multifamily housing communities pointed out, “one of the main reasons why people don’t realize how much water they are using is because their water cost is included in their rent. Many communities receive a bill every 60 days rather than getting a water bill every month like residents in a single-family home.” With that in mind, here are a few pointers that can help bring attention to how water is being wasted indoors:
Track Water Usage
For apartment managers looking to conserve water, keeping track of water consumption and leaks that lead to unexpectedly high water bills is a priority. Installing a sophisticated water management system like WaterSignal provides real time water consumption data with daily and hourly alerts, enabling you to quantify your efforts and achieve your water-saving goals.
Update Faucets, Toilets, and Showers
Retrofitting water fixtures is an investment worth making. These updated fixtures are designed to be water efficient and will significantly reduce water use all around.
Conserve Water in Your Multifamily Community
It’s important to save water in your multifamily housing community in order to save money and the environment. By keeping these tips in mind, you will be able to do just that in a simple and efficient manner.
Written by Jennifer Bell.
Edited by Caleb LaPointe
