Water Conservation Detailed

Calculation of Commercial
Building
Water conservation is crucial in commercial buildings to reduce costs, promote sustainability, and ensure
long-term success. In this guide, we'll explore how to calculate water consumption, identify waste,
implement strategies, and calculate ROI.

by pramod colliers
Calculating Building Water
Consumption Baseline
Before implementing water conservation strategies, it's essential to understand your building's water
consumption baseline. Measure the water flow rate and calculate annual water consumption. Use this as a
benchmark to track changes and measure success over time.
Sources of Water Waste in Commercial
Buildings
Leaks
Leaking toilets, pipes, and
faucets can waste an average
of 90 gallons per day. Conduct
regular inspections and fix leaks
quickly to save water and
prevent damage to the building.
Irrigation
Improperly maintained irrigation
systems can waste up to 50% of
the water used through
evaporation, runoff, and
overspray. Regular
maintenance and upgrading to
water-efficient systems can
save a significant amount of
water.
Inefficient fixtures
Older toilets, urinals, and
faucets use significantly more
water than water-efficient
models. Upgrading to water-
efficient fixtures can save
around 20% of your building's
water consumption.
Water Conservation Strategies
"One of the most important and cost-effective ways to reduce water use in a commercial building is to
educate employees and tenants about water efficiency."

Jennifer Mileti, CEO of Pure Water Works

Implementing water conservation strategies not only saves water, but it also promotes good environmental
practices and lowers costs. Strategies include fixing leaks, installing water-efficient fixtures, using recycled
water, and reusing greywater. Education on water-saving behaviors can also lead to significant reductions in
water consumption.
Installation of Water-Efficient Fixtures
and Equipment
Fixture/Equipment Water Use (Gallons Water Savings ROI (Years)
per Use)

High-efficiency toilet 1.28 Up to 16,500 gallons 1-3

per year

Water-efficient faucet 1.0 Up to 500 gallons per Less than 1

aerator year

Water-efficient 1.5 Up to 2,900 gallons Less than 1

showerhead per year

Upgrading to water-efficient fixtures and equipment can offer significant water savings and ROI. Installing
low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators, high-efficiency toilets and urinals, and upgrading to water-
efficient dishwashers and laundry machines can make a huge difference.
Calculating Water Savings and ROI
Calculating water savings and ROI is crucial in understanding the value of water conservation efforts.
Measure annual water consumption, estimate water savings, and calculate the cost of water per gallon.
Calculate the cost of implementing water-efficient strategies and fixtures and compare them to the cost
savings in water bills. ROI can typically be achieved between 1-3 years.
Maintenance and Monitoring for Long-
Term Success
1 Regular maintenance
Creating a schedule for routine maintenance
and inspections can prevent leaks and other
sources of water waste. Proper maintenance
and prompt repairs can keep water-efficient
fixtures and systems functioning optimally.
2 Data monitoring
It's essential to monitor water consumption
data regularly to understand usage and
identify trends. Analyzing data can help
optimize water-efficiency systems and reveal
inefficiencies or areas for improvement.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Water conservation is critical in commercial buildings to promote sustainability, lower costs, and ensure
long-term success. Calculating water consumption, identifying sources of waste, and implementing water-
efficient strategies can lead to substantial water savings and ROI. Regular maintenance and monitoring can
ensure continued success, and education and awareness campaigns can help promote water-saving
behaviors among employees and tenants.