SoCal Water Resources

Water Use Effeciency

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Water use efficiency refers to the ratio of water used in directly producing goods and services to the amount of water withdrawn from a source. High water use efficiency means less water is wasted. Improving water use efficiency in urban areas can help meet the increasing demand for water due to population growth and urbanization. Increased efficiency also helps reduce the energy used for water treatment and distribution, reducing the impact on water sources.

Different Water USE effeciencies

Residential Water Use Efficiency 

Residential water use efficiency is the practice of using water in a way that is sustainable and conserves water. In California, water use efficiency is important for supporting communities, farms, and ecosystems.

  • Standards: The State Water Resources Control Board set a standard of 55 gallons per capita per day (GPCD) for indoor residential water use until January 1, 2025. On January 1, 2025, the standard will change to 47 GPCD. 
  • Programs: The state has programs to improve water use efficiency, including water use objectives, performance measures, and drought resilience. 
  • Water districts: Water districts like EMWD use rate tiers to encourage efficient water use. 

Indoor Tips:

  1. Fix Leaks: 

   - Regularly check for and repair leaks in faucets, toilets, and pipes. Even small leaks can waste significant amounts of water over time.

  1. Install Water-Efficient Fixtures:

   - Replace old fixtures with WaterSense labeled products, such as low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets.

  1. Smart Appliances:

   - Use high-efficiency washing machines and dishwashers. Run them only with full loads to maximize water use efficiency.

  1. Shorten Showers:

   - Reduce shower time to save water. A 5-minute shower can use up to 25 gallons of water.

  1. Turn Off Taps:

   - Turn off the tap while brushing teeth, shaving, or washing dishes to conserve water.


Outdoor Tips:

  1. Efficient Landscaping:

   - Choose drought-resistant plants and native species that require less water. Implement xeriscaping principles to reduce water use in your garden.

  1. Smart Irrigation:

   - Install drip irrigation systems and smart controllers that adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions.

  1. Mulching:

   - Use mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation.

  1. Watering Schedule:

   - Water your lawn and garden during early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation.

  1. Rainwater Harvesting:

   - Install rain barrels to collect and store rainwater for irrigation purposes.

Commercial Water Use Efficiency

Commercial water use efficiency is the practice of reducing the amount of water used by businesses, industries and institutions. It can be achieved through water-efficient technologies, process optimization, and equipment upgrades.

Benefits of water use efficiency 
  • Cost savings: Reduces operating costs and energy costs
  • Sustainability: Helps meet sustainability goals and reduce a building's carbon footprint
  • Environmental leadership: Demonstrates leadership in environmental management
Water use efficiency legislation
In California, AB 1572 bans the use of potable water on non-functional turf on commercial properties. 
 
Examples of Water Use efficiency
 
  1. Putting Water Efficiency to Work
 
After upgrading its irrigation system, an office complex in Plano, Texas, reduced its outdoor water use by about 40 percent, saving nearly
12.5 million gallons of water in 2009. These retrofits helped the office complex earn water-efficiency credits toward LEED® Gold
certification and saved more than $47,000 in 2009. With these savings, the project paid for itself in less than a year and a half!
 
2. Reducing water waste in food production
In many food, beverage, and pharmaceutical companies, cleaning process equipment can account for as much as 50 to 70 percent of a facility’s total water use, and represents a substantial opportunity to save water
Strategies for improving commercial water use efficiency 
 
  1. Water Audits:

   - Conduct regular water audits to identify areas of excessive water use and potential savings.

  1. High-Efficiency Fixtures:

   - Install water-efficient fixtures in restrooms and kitchens, such as low-flow faucets and toilets.

  1. Cooling Systems:

   - Optimize cooling tower operations to reduce water consumption. Use air-cooled systems where feasible.

  1. Employee Training:

   - Educate employees about water conservation practices and encourage them to report leaks and water waste.

  1. Landscape Management:

   - Implement efficient irrigation systems and select drought-tolerant landscaping around commercial properties.

  1. Recycling and Reuse:

   - Explore opportunities for water recycling and reuse within your operations, such as using graywater for landscaping.

Agricultural Water Use Efficiency