Hw to use less water at work without sacrificing quality or efficiency

The ongoing drought in the western states has reached historic proportions. Now in its fourth year, this drought has the potential to fundamentally change the entire country, from how we get food to where we choose to live.

Protecting water resources can help and is a must. Everyone can play a part, from a toddler learning to brush their teeth to a multinational corporations learning to produce and sell goods more sustainably.

You may already be doing everything you can to save water in your home. Still, often in the workplace, we are busy with, well, work and need to pay more attention to sustainability issues (especially since, in the office, they don't directly affect our wallet).

Install low-flow toilets.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the most significant proportion of water in office buildings comes from toilets. The EPA also notes that older, inefficient toilets use about six gallons of water per flush. Water-efficient toilets use 1.28 gallons or less per flush—significant savings, especially if your workplace has multiple bathrooms. Check with your local water authority; many offer discounts when upgrading to high-efficiency toilets.

Check your faucets for leaks and fix them quickly.

Install the aerators on the tap.

Attach aerators to handwash faucets. Aerators mix water with air, creating a foggier spray and using less water than conventional faucets. If your company offers on-site showers, switch to low-flow showerheads.

Signs.

Post signs to remind co-workers to turn the water off when you lather and wash their hands, then turn it back on to rinse their hands. According to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, this can save about two gallons of water per minute.

Compost.

Signs in an office kitchen can remind people to compost their food waste instead of using a chute that uses water every time.

Preservation of education

Make sure colleagues know the company is committed to water conservation. They are incorporating policies into the employee handbook signals that sustainability is an essential concept for management and an integral part of the company's mission.

Sweep.

Only use water for cleaning that can be done with other tools; sweep sidewalks and floors instead of pressure washing.

Goodbye grass.

If your work area has grass, consider removing it. According to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, native plants can use up to 83% less water than turf grasses.

Smart watering.

If landscaping is watered, ensure it's done in the morning, when cooler temperatures mean more water goes into the soil instead of evaporating. Install rain sensors to turn off the system when actual rain takes over. Use drip irrigation whenever possible.

Water-free range

Examine your cooling system to see if it can use alternative water sources, such as harvested rainwater. If so, install a landscaping and cooling rain barrel system.