General Suggestions

• Increase employee awareness of water conservation.
• Seek employee suggestions on water conservation; locate suggestion boxes in prominent areas.
• Conduct contests for employees (e.g., posters, slogans, or conservation ideas).
• Install signs encouraging water conservation in employee and customer restrooms.
• 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.

Building Maintenance

• Check water supply system for leaks and turn off any unnecessary flows.
• Repair dripping faucets, showers and continuously running or leaking toilets.
• Install flow reducers and faucet aerators in all plumbing fixtures whenever possible.
• 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.
• Minimize the water used in cooling equipment, such as air compressors, in accordance with the manufacturer recommendations.
• Reduce the load on air conditioning units by shutting air conditioning off when and where it is not needed.
• Keep hot water pipes insulated.
• Avoid excessive boiler and air conditioner blow down. Monitor total dissolved solids levels and blow down only when needed.
• Instruct clean-up crew to use less water for mopping.
• Switch from wet or steam carpet cleaning methods to dry powder methods.
• Change window cleaning schedule from periodic to an on-call/as required basis.

Pools

• Channel splashed-out pool water onto landscaping.
• Lower pool water level to reduce amount of water splashed out.
• Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation when pool is not being used.
• Reduce the amount of water used to clean pool filters.

Kitchen Area

• Turn off the continuous flow used to clean the drain trays of the coffee/milk/soda beverage island; clean the trays only as needed.
• Turn dishwasher off when not in use. Wash full loads only.
• Replace spray heads to reduce water flow. If necessary, use ponded water. Use water from steam tables to wash down cooking area.
• Do not use running water to melt ice or frozen foods.
• Use water-conserving ice makers.
• Recycle water where feasible, consistent with state and county requirements.
• Recycle rinse water from the dishwater or recirculate it to the garbage disposer.
• Presoak utensils and dishes in ponded water instead of using a running water rinse.
• Wash vegetables in ponded water; do not let water run in preparation sink.
• Use water from steam tables in place of fresh water to wash down the cooking area.

Bar

• Do not use running water to melt ice in the sink strainers.

Laundry

• Reprogram machines to eliminate a rinse or suds cycle, if possible, and not restricted by health regulations.
• Reduce water levels, where possible, to minimize water required per load of washing.
  Wash full loads only.
• Evaluate wash formula and machine cycles for water use efficiency.

Exterior Areas

• Do not water landscape every day; two-to-three times a week is usually sufficient.
• Stop hosing down sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots.
• Wash autos, buses, and trucks less often.
• Avoid plant fertilizing and pruning that would stimulate excessive growth.
• Remove weeds and unhealthy plants so remaining plants can benefit from the water saved.
• In many cases, older, established plants require only infrequent irrigation. Look for indications of water need, such as wilting, change of color, or dry soils.
• Install soil moisture overrides or timers on sprinkler systems. Time watering, when possible, to occur in the early morning or evening when evaporation is lowest.
• Make sure irrigation equipment applies water uniformly. 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 and make sure sprinklers cover just the lawn or garden, not sidewalks, driveways, or gutters.

For More Information

For more information, contact the Water Supply Program at 410-537-3702 or water.supply@maryland.gov​