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 Irrigation
Leaking toilets, pipes, and faucets can Improperly maintained irrigation
waste an average of 90 gallons per systems can waste up to 50% of the
day. Conduct regular inspections and water used through evaporation,
fix leaks quickly to save water and runoff, and overspray. Regular
prevent damage to the building. 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 per Water Savings ROI (Years)

Use)

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

year

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

aerator

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

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.