No. 30: Install water flow limiters on all taps

by Mar 12, 2023180 ways to make you school more sustainable, Sustainable facilities, Water conservation

Number 30

Low flow faucets and toilets conserve water, reduce water bills, and decrease environmental impact in schools.

Learn why you should do this:

When it comes to reducing water consumption in schools, low-flow toilets and faucets are a great place to start. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, toilets and faucets account for nearly 40% of indoor water use. By switching to low-flow options, schools can significantly reduce their water usage and save money on water bills.

Low-flow toilets, for example, use only 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF) compared to the standard 1.6 GPF. This may not seem like a significant difference, but it can add up quickly. A school with 1,000 students and staff, for example, can save over 23,000 gallons of water each year by switching to low-flow toilets. This not only saves water, but it also saves money on water bills..

Similarly, low-flow faucets can reduce water usage by 30% or more. These faucets typically use around 0.5 gallons per minute (GPM) compared to the standard 2.2 GPM. This can lead to significant water savings for schools, especially in high-use areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

In addition to the financial benefits of reducing water consumption, there are also environmental benefits to consider. Water scarcity is becoming an increasingly pressing issue in many parts of the world. By reducing water usage, schools can help to conserve this precious resource and reduce the strain on local water systems.

Another environmental benefit of low-flow toilets and faucets is that they can help to reduce the amount of energy required to treat and transport water. According to the Alliance for Water Efficiency, it takes a significant amount of energy to pump, heat, and treat water. By reducing water usage, schools can also reduce the amount of energy required to meet their water needs. This can lead to significant energy savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

One study, conducted by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, found that switching to low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads in a school of 1,000 students and staff could save nearly $10,000 per year on water and energy costs. This not only helps to save money, but it also helps to conserve precious resources and reduce the school’s environmental footprint. It’s important to note that low-flow toilets and faucets can be more expensive initially than traditional options, but the savings in water and energy costs will typically pay for the additional cost within a few years.

Overall, low-flow toilets and faucets are a great way for schools to conserve water and reduce their environmental footprint. The benefits of these water-saving devices include cost savings on water and energy bills, reduction of water scarcity and reducing the energy required to treat and transport water.

 

Sources:

  1. United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2022). WaterSense at Work: Best Management Practices for Commercial and Institutional Facilities. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/watersense/watersense-work-best-management-practices-commercial-and-institutional-facilities

  2. WaterSense. (n.d.). WaterSense Labeled Toilets. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/watersense/watersense-labeled-toilets

  3. Pacific Gas and Electric Company. (n.d.). Rebates for Schools. Retrieved from https://www.pge.com/en_US/business/save-energy-money/resources-for-business/schools/rebates-for-schools/rebates-for-schools.page

  4. Alliance for Water Efficiency. (n.d.). Energy Savings from Water Savings: The Greenhouse Gas Connection. Retrieved from https://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/energy_savings.aspx

  5. American Water Works Association. (2020). Residential End Uses of Water, Version 2. Retrieved from https://www.awwa.org/Resources-Tools/Resource-Topics/Residential-End-Uses-of-Water

  6. United States Geological Survey. (2018). Estimated Use of Water in the United States in 2015. Retrieved from https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources/science/water-use-estimates

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