Water Conservation Tips for Property Managers
Data from the United States Geological Survey, suggests approximately 322 billion gallons of water are used per day in the United States.
Given that number, it's probably not a surprise that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates about 40 U.S. states anticipate water shortages, even under average conditions, in the next decade. For apartment complex property managers, reducing water consumption not only helps with this broader problem but also helps to save money.
In this blog post, we will provide tips on how to conserve water at your property, the benefits of water conservation, and the necessary steps for achieving this goal.
The Benefits of Water Conservation
Water conservation helps to minimize waste while providing long-term solutions for sustainable water use. As a property manager, you'll save on water bills, reduce wear and tear on your property's plumbing systems, and promote sustainable living among your tenants. Additionally, your apartment complex will reduce its carbon water footprint, making it more attractive to eco-conscious tenants and investors.
Practical Steps for Conserving Water
There are a lot of ways to conserve water, and implementing them doesn't have to be difficult. For starters, develop a system for identifying leaks and fixing them immediately.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates, "The average household's leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year and ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day."
Installing leak monitoring sensors can replace tedious unit-by-unit inspections so you can identify leaking appliances, faucets, pipes, and toilets. Receiving automatic alerts about new leaks in real-time allows property managers to respond quickly—saving water and avoiding the high cost of water damage—and is a more tenant-friendly way to keep tabs on your property.
Installing low-flow faucets, shower heads, and toilets can also go a long way in reducing water consumption without compromising tenant experience (if you pick the right ones).
The Financial Benefits
Reducing water consumption has implications on your property's bottom line, and the benefits are many. Apartments that use water-efficient devices, for example, can save significantly on their water bills. With water-efficient appliances and fixtures, your residents will be happy with their lower water bills, which can also increase their satisfaction with their living arrangements. This could potentially lead to an increase in rent prices or increased tenant retention.
Make Water Conservation a Priority for your Property
Reducing water consumption should be a top priority for property managers, particularly when considering the financial benefits. Tenant education is key to promoting water-efficient practices, such as turning off the tap when brushing their teeth or ensuring all appliances are operating efficiently. Consider providing a guide to residents on water-saving tips and programs that can assist in the conservation of water.
Water conservation is not only an environmentally friendly choice but also a wise decision from a financial standpoint. As we've shown, there are numerous benefits to water conservation, and practical steps can be taken to implement water-saving practices. Property managers, irrespective of the size of your apartment complex, have an essential role to play in reducing water consumption while promoting sustainable living. By making water conservation a top priority, you can help safeguard the environment and save money in the long run.