Water Saving Tips

Adopting water saving measures across key areas of your business can result in financial and water savings.

Tips For Amenities 

Fact

Public toilets can account for 15 to 40 per cent of total water usage, depending on the type of business. A single toilet in a public area is typically used 50 times per day.

Ways to Save

Start with the right equipment. 4.5/3 litre dual flush cisterns are the most efficient and plumbing policies Australia-wide require or recommend their use in any new installation.

Bin it, don’t flush it. Modern cisterns have less water to propel waste through pipes and blockages can occur. Educate staff about the problems with flushing general rubbish and provide waste bins.

Regularly inspect units. Replace rubber cistern seals about every two years before leaks occur and periodically replace valves and ballcocks. Check the timing cycles and volumes of automatic flushing systems and align flushing with building operating hours. Always use qualified, licensed plumbers.

Consider going waterless. Currently best practice, waterless urinals can be easily retrofitted in existing installations. They work by trapping urine in a layer of oil that forms a barrier against vapour escape. It then flows through a drain that collects impurities before it enters the sewer. Waterless urinals offer hygiene benefits at reduced repair costs. Concentrated urine can corrode copper pipes. Have a licensed plumber check that the plumbing system is compatible.

Promote power showers. Use stickers and timers to encourage users to have four minute showers.

Replace your old showerheads. Upgrade to 3-star rated showerheads which use about 7.5 litres a minute. These have a narrower spray area and a greater mix of air and water than conventional showerheads. Note: Modern high efficiency showerheads are mainly designed for storage hot water systems.