You’re wasting water, but you probably don’t even know about it. We typically go on with our day without even recognizing that we are wasting such a valuable resource. But you may be asking yourself:
“Me? I don’t waste water... When have I wasted water?”
That’s a great question! And we will help you find out!
Here’s a quick breakdown of how much water the average human is wasting:
In 1 day – 30 Gallons – About a bathtub worth.
In 2 weeks – 420 Gallons – Enough water to completely fill a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van.
In 3 months – 2,700 Gallons – That much water weighs as much as a semi-truck.
In 1 year – 10,800 Gallons – We know you’re crying because that’s a lot of water you’ve wasted... But you would have to cry for 97,000 years to cry 10,800 gallons worth of tears.
And that doesn’t include industrial water waste!
In all seriousness, water waste is a huge problem, but don’t fret. Smart Rain is here to help you stop wasting water.
At home and at work, your facilities aren’t as water efficient as they could be. Water monitoring is a hassle, and it takes some serious work to make sure that your water isn’t wasted. Here’s some of the biggest water wasters in your home and business:
Home Water Wasters
Day-to-day living certainly requires water. We all need that water to function each day, but how much? Are we using too much? We are wasting a lot of the water that comes into our homes. Here are some of the biggest water wasters in your home:
- Leaky Faucets and Fixtures: Dripping faucets and leaky fixtures, such as toilets and showerheads, can waste a surprising amount of water over time. Regularly check for and repair any leaks promptly.
- Running Toilets: A continuously running toilet can waste a significant amount of water. This issue is often caused by a faulty flapper or valve, and it's important to address it promptly.
- Inefficient Appliances: Older appliances, particularly washing machines and dishwashers, may use more water than newer, water-efficient models. Consider upgrading to Energy Star-rated appliances to reduce water consumption.
Industrial Building Leakage
Businesses aren’t immune to the water waste. They are actually wasting more water than homes. Corporations take up two-thirds of all the water used, and they are wasting most of that water. Here are some of the biggest culprits:
- Pipes and Plumbing Systems: Leaks in pipes, fittings, valves, and other components of the plumbing system can result in substantial water loss. Over time, corrosion, wear and tear, or damage can cause these leaks.
- Cooling Systems: Industrial facilities often use cooling systems for machinery and processes. Leaks in cooling towers, condenser tubes, and associated piping can lead to water waste. Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to prevent and address such leaks.
- Process Equipment: Machinery and industrial processes may involve the use of water for cooling, lubrication, or other purposes. Leaks in the equipment itself, such as pumps, compressors, or heat exchangers, can contribute to water waste.
Excessive Irrigation Watering
Landscaping for commercial properties is becoming a big issue in water wasting. t’s much harder to save water when you have big industrial complexes and properties. Here’s some of the bigger water wasters to keep your eyes on:
- Overwatering: Applying more water than necessary can lead to water runoff and waste. Overwatering can also contribute to soil erosion, nutrient leaching, and the development of plant diseases. Implementing smart irrigation controllers and adjusting watering schedules based on weather conditions can help prevent overwatering.
- Watering During Peak Sunlight Hours: Watering plants during the hottest part of the day can result in higher evaporation rates, reducing the effectiveness of irrigation. It's more efficient to water early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are lower, reducing water loss due to evaporation.
- Poorly Maintained Irrigation Systems: Leaks, clogs, and malfunctions in irrigation systems can lead to water waste. Regular maintenance, including checking for leaks, cleaning filters, and adjusting sprinkler heads, is essential to ensure the efficient operation of the system.
- Using Inefficient Irrigation Equipment: Outdated or inefficient irrigation equipment, such as old sprinkler heads or inefficient drip systems, can lead to water waste. Upgrading to water-efficient technologies can improve irrigation efficiency.
Poor Water Management Practices
Another wasteful practice that people don’t often think about is their own water management practices. These often could preemptively stop water waste. Here’s some of the biggest issues with water management:
- Lack of Monitoring and Metering: Failing to monitor water usage and not having water meters in place can make it difficult to identify leaks, inefficiencies, or unusual consumption patterns. Regular monitoring is crucial for detecting issues promptly.
- Delayed Leak Detection and Repair: Ignoring or delaying the repair of leaks in plumbing systems, equipment, or infrastructure can result in significant water waste over time. Promptly addressing leaks is essential for efficient water management.
- Inadequate Maintenance: Poor maintenance of water-related infrastructure, such as pipes, pumps, and storage tanks, can lead to inefficiencies and leaks. Regular inspections and maintenance are vital to ensure the proper functioning of water systems.
Solutions to Your Waste Water
Here’s some tips for you to stop your water waste:
WaterSense Certified Appliances: In your home, be sure that you are using appliances that are EPA WaterSense certified. These products go through "independent third parties follow testing and certification protocols” to ensure that they are saving water. This is an easy step that could save thousands of gallons of water in your home.
Regular Maintenance and Leak Detection: Work with a local plumber, landscaper, or irrigation expert. Conduct regular inspections of plumbing systems, irrigation systems, and industrial equipment to detect and repair leaks promptly. Implement water metering and monitoring systems to identify abnormal usage patterns.
Use Smart Rain: Smart Rain allows you to put irrigation water wasting behind you. Smart Rain is EPA WaterSense Certified and proven to conserve water on your commercial property. A typical customer saves 7 million gallons of water and 30% on their water bill.
Now that you know where to look for water waste, and you are armed with solutions, you can tackle the water waste problem head on.
