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A wide range
of opportunities exist to lower costs, reduce risk,
and enhance revenues while pursuing more sustainable
approaches to managing water resources. Many creative
ideas for reducing water use and impacts can be generated
through employee suggestions and analysis and brainstorming
sessions. The Water Sustainability
Concepts contained in this tool provide a useful
framework for spurring consideration of diverse opportunities.
A brief checklist of sample opportunities, organized
by these Water Sustainability Concepts, is provided
below to demonstrate examples. The case
studies throughout GEMI's Water Sustainability Tool
also provide examples of creative opportunities that
companies have pursued.
Numerous resources are available that
provide information on common opportunities to improve
the efficiency of water use, reuse water, and lessen
water quality impacts. The two resources listed below
provide excellent starting points. Both of these resources
contain extensive checklists and examples of water efficiency
steps and other opportunities. In addition, they provide
links to other Internet resources, as well as bibliographies
of useful publications.
- Amy Vickers. 2001. Handbook
of Water Use and Conservation. Amherst, Massachusetts:
Waterplow
Press.
- WaterWiser:
The Water Efficiency Clearinghouse. A website
of the American Water Works Association.
Many industry associations and reseach
organizations have developed resources for companies
within their industry sector regarding approaches for
improving water management. For example, the Electric
Power Research Institute (EPRI) has developed several
publications and tools addressing water conservation
and management for utilities and other members of the
energy industry.
Use the Water Sustainability Concepts
to Generate Ideas
The Water Sustainability Concepts
can also be used to help identify appropriate actions
for each risk.
Reduce Overall
Use of Water
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Consider plumbing fixture replacement
or retrofit and install low volume faucets and toilets |
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Institute a leak detection and
repair process |
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Install automatic shutoff valves |
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Adjust blow-down cycles in cooling
equipment |
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Incorporate water considerations
in new tool and process design |
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Improve irrigation technology
and practices |
Match Water
Quality With Appropriate Use
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Consider using treated wastewater
for irrigation |
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Consider reusing treated wastewater
for toilet flushing and HVAC |
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Install reclaimed wash water
system for car washing |
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Eliminate "once-through"
cooling |
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Capture and reuse field runoff
or tail water |
Minimize Adverse Impacts on Water
Quality or Improve the Quality of Available Water
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Use fertilizer sparingly in landscaping |
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Consider replacing toxic chemicals
in material flow analysis |
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Consider opportunities for water
reuse |
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Increase efficiency of fertilizer
application rates |
Solve Water Quality Challenges Through
Prevention Rather Than Treatment
Engage Local Stakeholders
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Ensure participation of all
stakeholders in the development of water sustainability
strategy. Stakeholders include:
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- Water managers
- Planners
- Engineers
- Financial administrators
- Information specialists
- Other businesses
- Environmental groups
- Public officials
- General public
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Engage stakeholders at the beginning
and throughout the planning process, not just
at the end
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Look for opportunities for partnerships
with local communities, environmental groups,
and municipalities to support common goals.
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Raise Awareness About Water Sustainability
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Support public education programs
about water conservation in schools
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Create a demonstration garden
or park
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Include water conservation information
in ongoing communication with customers, employees
and the public
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Offer training programs for
employees
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 Return
to Module 3
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