Why would you want to reduce water usage in apartments? Truth is, you can start saving money immediately with some simple tips.
When it comes to apartment building management, collecting rent isn’t the only way to make a profit. Saving money is what it’s all about, and there are plenty of things you can do to reduce your overall cost of operation. For example, learning how to reduce apartment water usage in your complex is one great way to lower monthly bills.
It’s easy to forget about water until you have problems with it. Fixing your water-related issues can be costly, but what about when you’re not having mechanical problems? Unmanaged water use can quickly become unnecessarily expensive. It’s not only bad for your profit margins but also doesn’t help the environment very much. Water is a precious resource; the more clean water is wasted, the more expensive it becomes to you and everyone else.
But don’t despair if you are clueless about how to reduce apartment water usage. Here, we have numerous suggestions and tips for ways to conserve water. The bottom line is that understanding ways to stop wasting water will help reduce your usage costs, allowing you to save money, which means you’ll be making more money. We can already see you smiling!
12 Water Saving Tips for Managing Water Costs in your Apartment or Condominium Complex
1. Upgrade to ENERGY STAR® rated equipment.
This is one of the easiest ways to conserve water and begin to save money in the long-term, after the initial cost associated with upgrading water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances that rely on water. ENERGY STAR® rated equipment will reduce water usage by up to 10%. That’s a considerable savings for you, and your residents will likely appreciate the updated appliances!
2. Inform and educate your renters about reducing water usage.
It might seem a bit “out of the box” to suggest that your tenants reduce their water usage. But communication is the key to a good relationship. Many people are prioritizing sustainability in today’s world, which goes for inside the home as well. Putting some effort into helping them understand that less water usage equals fewer rent increases can be worth the savings to everyone! Try hanging attractive signage in common areas with water-saving tips and information on how to reduce water usage. Explain how this mutual goal benefits everyone and get them working together to create a sense of community. You might even sponsor a contest and offer a one-time rental discount for finding unique ways to stop wasting water!
3. Encourage residents to take showers, not baths.
The average gallons of water per shower (with a low-flow showerhead) is 15 to 25 gallons for a 5-minute shower. Compare that to the average bath, which weighs in at 36 gallons of water. Shortening shower times can also reduce the gallons of water per shower.
4. Install showerheads that regulate flow.
This is especially true if your showerheads were installed before 1992. Before 1992, some showerheads had flow rates of 5.5 gallons/minute. Now, federal regulations say showerheads must not exceed 2.5 gallons/minute. It’s pretty easy math—an additional 3 gallons per minute can add up quickly with a daily shower routine! These showerheads will lower water flow without reducing water pressure. 2.5 gallons/minute or less will not bother your renters and will help you save big.
5. Encourage residents to turn off the water when brushing their teeth or shaving.
Many of us remember these life skills from elementary school or lectures from home. But not everyone got an excellent education on ways to conserve water, so it doesn’t hurt to remind people.
6. Low-flow and high-efficiency toilets will save you money immediately.
Install them now, and they’ll pay for themselves over time. Toilets are the biggest water users in each unit. Toilets over ten years old use between 4.5 to 5.5 gallons per flush; modern low-flow toilets use 1.33 gallons per flush while still doing the same job. Replacing toilets will cost you upfront but will reduce apartment water usage and save you money every month, potentially for decades.
7. Have sink aerators installed.
If your sink fixtures are new, these may already be in place, but if they are old, you want to make sure to add them! They can be fitted to the end of some faucets, or consider purchasing new ones. These reduce water flow by 1.5 gallons/minute and can save the average household 700 gallons/year of water. Talk about easy ways to stop wasting water!
8. Schedule regular maintenance evaluations with your maintenance crew or a plumber you trust.
Knowledge is power, and these maintenance evaluations can help you to understand the big picture. It will also inform you about what needs fixing and unknown leaks in your buildings.
9. Fix those leaky faucets!
If a faucet drips once per second, expect to waste 44 gallons of water a week. Leaky plumbing can waste thousands of dollars, so this is another no-brainer water-saving tip.
10. Keep a close eye on your water bills.
Like scheduled maintenance, paying attention to your water bill can give you a sense of the overall picture. You’ll also be able to see if your effort is paying off! And it can help to identify those “silent leaks” that might be getting in the way of your efforts to reduce water usage.
11. Turn down the thermostats on water heaters.
This won’t impact your water usage, but it will save you money on your energy bill. Really, how hot does hot water need to be? Save 3% to 5% for every 10°F reduction. 120°F is the best goal. Check our safe temp chart here.
12. Don’t forget about landscaping!
Landscaping offers another great opportunity for ways to conserve water. Check out these additional water-saving tips:
- Water landscape 2 to 3 times a week instead of every day.
- Remove weeds and other unwanted plants to preserve water for your desired landscape.
- Time watering when evaporation is the lowest: early morning or evenings are best.
- Use mulch around plants to avoid evaporation and keep weeds to a minimum.
The average person uses 50 to 75 gallons of water per day. Water usage expenses in an apartment or condominium complex are a considerable portion of operating costs. These solutions are simple to do, good for the environment, and pay for themselves quickly. Your tenants will be willing to help if they’re properly educated. In addition, if these savings allow you to keep the monthly rental fees down, you can bet you’ll have happier residents. They’ll be more likely to stay living in your units longer, thus providing you with a steadier and consistent cash flow.
The truth is, you can start saving money immediately by reducing water usage and still maintain your status as a good landlord. Of course, there are plenty of other ways to make your complex more energy-efficient overall. Still, water is one of the more expensive drains on your profit margin while being one of the easiest to upgrade, manage and conserve. Remember, making money isn’t just about charging rent. Saving money is equal to making money!
