Tips for saving water at work
The following tips will assist with adopting efficient water use practices around the workplace.
- Install water efficient taps.
- Clean and rinse with a bucket, rather than under running taps or hoses.
- Set air-conditioning temperature (wherever possible) no lower than 24 degrees—less water will be used in the cooling tower and energy will be saved.
- Check for leaks in taps, pipes and hoses.
- Only put the dishwasher on when it's full.
- Scrape instead of rinsing dishes.
- Wash fruit and vegetables in a bowl or plugged sink, instead of under a running tap.
- Display water usage and saving charts in the staff room or kitchen.
- Make water usage updates a standing agenda item in staff and board meetings.
- Display posters in staff rooms and kitchens.
- Install dual flush toilets.
- Send water saving ideas and progress reports to staff in newsletters, emails or bulletins.
- Include water efficiency policies and procedures in staff induction and training programs.
- Establish an ideas box to share water saving ideas across the workplace.
- Ensure the fire hose is only used for fire fighting, training and testing purposes.
An audit of the workplace can also be done to see where savings can be made. Look around and check if the following are water efficient or operating effectively:
- taps
- dishwashers
- toilets and urinals
- water pipes
- air-conditioning
- showers
- washing machines
- garden irrigation
- water recycling/re-use systems.