Water Reduction

Additional Opportunities

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Greywater

Greywater refers to any wash water that has been used in the home except from toilets. By reusing it as much as possible, we can greatly reduce the amount of freshwater usage, reclaims nutrients that would have been wasted, and reduce strain on failing septic tanks or treatment plants. In fact, by reclaiming greywater for irrigation and other similar uses, we would use less than 50 percent of the water produced by rain .

  • Typically, 50-80 percent of household waste water is greywater from kitchen sinks, dishwashers, bathroom sinks, tubs and showers.
  • Even if the correct level of water is used for each wash load, there will be an extra cost of water heating for each load washed with warm or hot water.

 

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Paper use

We typically don't think of paper use as a water conservation issue, but it takes 1,321 gallons to make 500 sheets of virgin paper. Take advantage of digital devices to reduce the need for print-outs, saving time and money as well as conserving paper and water.

 

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Additional ideas

  • Consider your property for a water audit to maximize efficiency.
  • Try drinking tap water as opposed to bottled water.
  • Instead of water bottles, have centralized water coolers and reusable cups in the rooms.