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Water Conservation in the Workplace
Tips to Conserve Water at Work
1. Who is responsible?
We all are! Make sure you don't waste water in everyday activities. But it's important that one person has overall responsibility for water conservation in your business.
2. Read your water meter regularly
Record meter readings on a regular basis. This will allow you to identify trends in water consumption. By observing your trends, you will be able to identify changes in water usage that may not otherwise be apparent.
3. Carry out a leak test
A simple leak test will indicate if you are wasting water.
4. Carry out a water audit
A water audit will allow you to assess your plumbing appliances and fittings for water efficiencies. It is also important to look at practices that use water such as cleaning.
5. Eliminate automatic flushing cisterns
Many urinals flush 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year whether there is anyone at work or not! Fit flush controls on urinals.
6. Check toilet cisterns
43% of all the water used at work is flushed down the toilet. Some larger toilet cisterns can continue to work effectively with a smaller flush. Place a displacement device such as a hippo bag or a bottle of water into the cistern.
7. New equipment
Replace worn out or broken equipment with systems that use water efficiently. When purchasing new equipment make sure it uses water efficiently.
8. No hose policy
A hose uses 500 litres of water in one hour. Don't use a hose when cleaning paths, patios and driveways. Use a shovel and brush instead.
9. Watering plants
Select plants that need little water. If possible fit a water butt to collect rainwater to water indoor and outdoor plants.
10. Awareness
Involve all staff and make everyone aware of water conservation.
A leak test
How do I know if I have a leak?
- Next time your premises are not in use, turn off all water fittings, including taps and cisterns. Remember to turn the fittings back on when the test is complete.
- Take a reading from your water meter. Note the figure and the date and time. If you have more than one meter, take note of all meter readings.
- If possible leave your water fittings turned off for a few hours, e.g. overnight or over a weekend.
After this period take note of the meter reading. There should be no difference in the meter readings at the start and the end of the leak test.
If there is a significant increase between the start and the end of the test, then you may have a leak in your system. You may need to get specialist advice to identify the source of the leak.
You are responsible for maintaining all of the pipes and fittings within the boundary of your premises. It is in your interest to fix any leaks as soon as possible, as you will be billed for the water wasted.
| Your water meter
Most water meters installed in County Galway are mechanical meters. How to find your water meter Most water meters are located in the footpath outside your premises. If you want to read your meter, first you've got to open the lid. Carefully remove the meter box lid by using an appropriate tool. It is important to replace the lid properly to ensure that the meter box remains watertight. The meter box contains a plastic plug. This protects the meter from frost. Remove the plug if you wish to examine the meter. Don't forget to replace it when you are finished. The digits on the meter may be viewed by lifting the flap on the top of the unit. Your water bill has an 8 digit serial number. This is also stamped on your water meter under the reading digits. How to read your water meter All meters in Galway County are metric meters. They measure water volume in cubic metres (1 cubic metre = 1000 litres). Reading your meter, Black numbers on a white background are cubic meters. White numbers on a red background are units of 10 litres. The meter shown is 881.4194 m3 or 881,419.4 litres. The dials to the bottom right are 10 litres per revolution for the small dial and 1 litre per revolution for the large dial.. How do I turn off the water supply? |
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Push taps, aerators, displacement devices and more There are many water saving devices available to buy. The following is some information on a small selection:
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