The tips and suggestions on this page apply to a wide variety of industries, and can be adopted by any business.

GENERAL SUGGESTIONS

• Increase employee awareness of water conservation.
• Conduct contests for employees (e.g., posters, slogans, or conservation ideas.)
• Seek employee suggestions on water conservation; locate suggestion boxes in prominent areas.
• Install signs in employee and customer restrooms encouraging water conservation.
• When cleaning with water is necessary, use budgeted amounts.
• Read water meter weekly to monitor success of water conservation efforts.
• Assign an employee to monitor water use and waste.
• Determine the quantity and purpose of water being used. Determine other methods of water conservation.
• As appliances and fixtures wear out, replace with water-saving models.

BUILDING MAINTENANCE

• Check water supply system for leaks and turn off any unnecessary flows.
• Repair dripping faucets, showers and continuously running or leaking toilets.
• Reduce the water used in toilet flushing by either adjusting the vacuum flush mechanism or installing toilet tank displacement devices (dams, bottles, or bags).
• As appliances or fixtures wear out, replace them with water-saving models.
• Shut off water supply to equipment rooms not in use.
• Keep hot water pipes insulated.
• Install flow reducers and faucet aerators in all plumbing fixtures whenever possible.
• Reduce the load on air conditioning units by shutting off air conditioning when and where it is not needed.

Click on each category below for more tips and suggestions for specific industries.

Categories are: Commercial buildings, Health care facilities, Schools or universities, Pools, Golf courses and industrial landscapes, Laundries or linen suppliers, Food processing or Beverage processing facilities.

EXTERIOR AREAS

• Look for indications of water need, such as wilt, change of color, or dry soils.
• Do not water landscape every day; only water when needed. If water restrictions are in effect, adapt your watering schedule accordingly.
• Avoid plant fertilizing and pruning that would stimulate excessive growth.
• Remove weeds and unhealthy plants so the plants you want benefit.
• In many cases, older, established plants require only infrequent irrigation.
• Install soil moisture overrides or timers on sprinkler systems.
• Irrigate in the early morning or evening, when evaporation is lowest.
• Investigate the advantages of installing drip irrigation systems.
• Mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and discourage weeds.
• Remove thatch and aerate turf to encourage the movement of water to the root zone.
• Avoid runoff onto sidewalks, driveways, or gutters.
• Do not water on windy days.
• Wash autos, buses, and trucks less often.
• Don't use water to clean sidewalks, driveways, loading docks, and parking lots.
• Consider using brooms or motorized sweepers.

(SOURCE: Maryland Department of the Environment)