Businesses Have a Role in Water Conservation

Water conservation is more than just individual acts of responsibility; it’s an investment into the future of local businesses, families and a vibrant Arizona. Although most of the water use in Arizona is isolated to outdoor functions, including landscape and agriculture, businesses from the retail to manufacturing spaces have the opportunity to reduce water use by adopting sustainable practices. Here are some strategies they can implement to increase their water efficiency:

1. Tap into resources. Knowing where to go for resources with sound, science-based recommendations is a great place to start. Organizations like AZ Water (www.azwater.org) and Water Use It Wisely (wateruseitwisely.com) focus on bringing technical expertise to Arizonans in a way that makes implementation easy.
2. Contact the appropriate utility. Arizona’s water utility companies are the experts in water conservation and most offer free water efficiency checkups. Scheduling a visit from the utility’s conservation office will help identify if a business’s water system is leaking, and they have great recommendations for how to reduce water use. Local utility conservation programs may offer incentives, recognition and ongoing education to enhance a business’s ongoing water conservation efforts.
3. Implement water-efficient fixtures and technology. Investing in water-efficient appliances and fixtures such as low-flow toilets, faucets, leak detection sensors and smart irrigation systems can significantly reduce water consumption.
4. Conduct regular maintenance. Leaks in plumbing systems can lead to water loss and can go undetected for long periods of time, leading to building damage and wasted water. Regular inspections and maintenance by the business’s team or a licensed plumber can help detect and address leaks.
5. Optimize landscaping practices. Using native species, xeriscape and engineered watering systems to use water efficiently gives owners an opportunity for a lush and welcoming outdoor space while reducing maintenance and costs. More ideas can be found at www.amwua.org/plants.
6. Educate employees. Creating a culture of conservation among employees fosters their support and buy-in to make suggestions and create solutions.
7. Implement water recycling and reuse systems. High-volume users have opportunities to reuse water onsite to support landscape use, cooling, etc. These recycling programs can seem daunting at first, but AZ Water’s members are experienced in supporting industrial reuse and manufacturing efficiencies. By treating and reusing water on-site, businesses can significantly reduce the demand for freshwater while also minimizing wastewater discharge.

By adopting these strategies, businesses in Arizona can contribute to preserving precious water resources and position themselves as responsible members of the community committed to Arizona’s sustainability. Through collective action and conscious choices, we can ensure a water-secure future for generations to come.

 Jeanne M. Jensen is director of engineering at RMCI, a general contractor specializing in water, wastewater and industrial projects. She is also past president of AZ Water, a nonprofit educational organization founded in 1928 dedicated to preserving and enhancing Arizona’s water environment. With a diverse membership of nearly 3,000 water professionals comprising water utilities, government agencies, academia, consultants and industry stakeholders, AZ Water — the Arizona section of the American Water Works Association and the Arizona member association of the Water Environment Federation — is committed to promoting collaboration, innovation and excellence in water management to ensure a sustainable future for Arizona’s communities and ecosystems.

Photo by Alex Perez of Unsplash, courtesy of AZ Water