As spring sun and temperatures begin to melt the winter snow and fill Utah’s water sources, the temptation to relax daily water conservation efforts may creep in. But Utahns aren’t in the clear yet. One good winter doesn’t mean Utah has made
As spring sun and temperatures begin to melt the winter snow and fill Utah’s water sources, the temptation to relax daily water conservation efforts may creep in. But Utahns aren’t in the clear yet. One good winter doesn’t mean Utah has made it out of its 19-year drought.
It's especially important for Utahns to save water, simply because of the geographical climate. “Utah is the second driest state in the country. We are the highest water users per person. With the ever-changing climate and population projections Utahns need to change the way we use water,” Utah Division of Water Resources claims.
Businesses across the Beehive State can take the lead by incorporating these seven tips to save Utah's precious water supply.
Begin by calculating a water footprint
Establishing how water is used is the first step toward conserving it. Business owners and facility managers take active steps in water conservation by discovering their unique water footprint.
A water footprint details how water is used in relation to the products created and distributed, the Water Footprint Network says.
The Water Footprint Network offers a free water footprint assessment tool to help businesses define their current water consumption patterns and identify where improvements can be made.
Business owners can also schedule a water audit with local utility companies to discover how much water they use each day and how to save. “Comprehensive building audits should include assessments of current water use and a process to identify conservation opportunities,” the Facility Executive notes.
Additionally, water audits can discover if there are any current leaks that are draining unnecessary water (and money)
“On average, leaks make up about 14% of all indoor water use,” SlowtheFlow.org says.
Identify the biggest water-consuming areas then reduce
Business owners willing to implement water conservation strategies should start by reducing where water is used most.
The Facility Executive says to “Look first at the biggest water-consuming areas. These can include industrial processes, laundries, kitchens, restrooms, and landscaping.”
Once high-volume water areas are identified, develop methods to decrease water consumption in those, including educating employees in water-saving practices.
Establish incentives to ma