It’s no secret that private clubs can be water-gobbling enterprises. But it’s not only your club’s grass, trees and other landscaping features that can use too much water. Other aspects of your business – from toilets to ice machines – each can waste hundreds of gallons of water each day. It can definitely add up. Did you know that buildings consume 20 percent of the world’s available water? That’s why a water audit is such a great idea. Many utilities provide low-cost audits of local households and businesses. Your club also can enlist the help of a company that specializes in audits. Whichever route you prefer, here are some important aspects of your club that should be analyzed:
Restroom facilities. A leaky toilet alone can waste 200 gallons of water a day. That’s why all of your club’s toilets, sinks and water valves should be checked for leaks. In addition to addressing any leaks, you’ll want to consider investing in water-saving devices. Newer varieties of industrial toilets and faucets, for example, are great at limiting the amount of water used in restroom facilities.
Food service outlets. Whether your club has a sit-down restaurant or quick-serve eatery or food counter, a water audit can identify numerous opportunities to conserve water. Newer models of dishwashers and dish rinsing systems use less water; your club also may be able to retrofit existing systems so that they use less water. And how about that ice machine? Some older models of ice machines use twice the amount of water as today’s water-efficient ice makers. You’ll want to examine your club’s procedures as well. Do employees leave water running in the kitchen even if they walk away from it? That alone can waste hundreds of gallons of water each month.
Landscaping. Collecting runoff, using reclaimed water, planting native plants and using water-saving systems outdoors all can help a private club save on their water bills. In addition to an energy audit, your club may benefit from a visit from a landscaping company that specializes in water conservation.
Sometimes it can be difficult to choose with water-saving equipment or procedures to implement. An audit can help you map out your savings over a significant period of time, such as 10 years, and determine whether the initial investment in any of a number of water-saving initiatives makes sense for your club. Want to learn more about saving water? Check out this informative article about water efficiency at golf courses, or this one, which contains 10 great tips for saving water at any type of business. Enjoy!