Many people tend to forget that water is a finite resource. However, it’s estimated that humanity can only use 3% of the overall water on Earth. That’s equivalent to about 1.4 billion cubic kilometers of water and nearly five times the amount of fresh water available on Earth.
This means that people must be more careful about using our water resources. It’s estimated that today, more than 80% of wastewater is released into rivers or oceans without being treated first! This means that every year, more than 3.4 trillion liters of wastewater is leaked into the environment without being treated properly, putting our planet’s natural water cycles at significant risk. Wasting water resources is costly not just for the person but also for businesses!
As a business owner, you know that conserving resources is essential. After all, cutting costs is one of the best ways to improve your bottom line. But did you know that conserving water is not only suitable for your budget, but it’s also good for the environment? Here are three reasons why your business should conserve water:
It Saves Money
The most apparent reason to conserve water is that it saves money. Water is a utility, and like any other utility, the more you use, the more you pay. It’s estimated that businesses already spend about $2 per square meter on utility bills. So for a one thousand square feet office, that’s about $2,000 per month. Conserving water can help reduce these costs significantly.
Reduce Environmental Footprint
Another reason to conserve water is that it reduces your environmental footprint. Water conservation helps preserve our natural resources and protects wildlife. It also reduces energy consumption because it takes less energy to pump and treat smaller amounts of water. In fact, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, if everyone in the United States reduced their daily shower time by just two minutes, the country could save 170 billion gallons annually.
Public Image
In today’s socially conscious world, consumers are increasingly interested in doing business with companies that share their values. By conserving water, you can improve your public image and attract new customers looking to support sustainable businesses. You can also use water conservation as a marketing tool by promoting your efforts on social media or in your advertising campaigns.
As a business owner, conserving resources is essential. Water conservation can help you save money and also the world! If you don’t know where to get started, consider these options:
Water-Efficient Fixtures and Appliances
One of the easiest ways to reduce water consumption at your business is to upgrade to water-efficient fixtures and appliances. Newer models of toilets, urinals, faucets, and showerheads are designed to use less water than older models, so they can help you save significant amounts of water with each flush or wash. For example, installing just one low-flow toilet can save a business nearly 13,000 gallons of water per year.
Implement a Greywater System
Greywater is wastewater that has been used for activities like washing dishes or laundry but hasn’t come into contact with sewage. Rather than sending this used water down the drain, businesses can install greywater recycling systems that capture and treat greywater so it can be reused for irrigation or other non-potable purposes. Recycling greywater can save businesses up to 40% on their overall water usage—significant savings that can add up quickly.
Educate Employees
One of the most important things you can do to encourage water conservation at your business is to educate your employees about the importance of saving this valuable resource. Teach them to conserve water throughout the day, from turning off the faucet while brushing their teeth to taking shorter showers. You might also consider instituting a company-wide policy limiting watering lawns or washing vehicles during periods of drought.
Fix Leaks Immediately
Finally, if you notice any leaks throughout your facility, it’s essential to fix them right away. A faucet that drips once per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water annually—not to mention a substantial amount of money on your utility bills. You should regularly inspect your faucets as those are responsible for most leaks in the office. If you have multiple leaky faucets, consider hiring faucet replacement services to ensure your faucets are functioning correctly. They can also help you save water and money in the long run.
Whether you’re looking to reduce your monthly utility bills or do your part to conserve this precious resource, there are many simple ways to save water in your business. By following the tips above, you can help save both water and money at your facility. So why wait? Start conserving today!
