Americans use a lot of water. It’s estimated that American families use about 300 gallons of water per day. However, businesses use a lot more, considering a lot more people are involved.
For example, office buildings often use about seven million gallons of water. However, businesses such as restaurants have a more significant share. With such a high usage rate, it’s no surprise that restaurants are often one of the biggest water wasters in commercial buildings. However, there are ways to decrease the water your restaurant uses daily. Here are five tips:
Educate Your Staff
One of the best ways to decrease water waste in your restaurant is to educate your staff on proper water usage techniques. Here are five essential things you need to educate your staff about.
Spotting Leaks
Leaks are responsible for over 10% of all water usage in commercial buildings. Educate your staff on how to spot leaks and encourage them to report any they find immediately.
Proper Sink Usage
Teach your staff proper sink usage, such as only running the sink when necessary and not letting it continuously run while washing dishes.
Water Utilization
Educate your staff on proper water utilization, such as using the same dishwater for multiple tasks instead of starting fresh.
Proper Dishwashing
Teach your staff efficient and effective dishwashing techniques, such as pre-rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher or hand washing with a low-flow nozzle on the faucet.
Bathroom Usage
Lastly, train your staff on proper bathroom usage, such as turning off the water while they brush their teeth or only running the toilet when necessary.
Install Low-Flow Fixtures
Low-flow fixtures and appliances use less water than their traditional counterparts without sacrificing performance or quality. These fixtures use air pressure to create a strong stream, using less water.
Some low-flow fixtures are low-flow faucets, shower heads, dual flush toilets, high-efficiency dishwashers, and washing machines. These fixtures can save your restaurant thousands of gallons of water each year.
Install a Water Well
One of the best ways to decrease water waste in your restaurant is by installing water well. Water wells provide a sustainable water supply and can drastically reduce water expenses. Plus, drilling for water on your property allows you to control water quality. If you’re interested in installing water well at your restaurant, consider hiring a professional water well drilling service. They have the experience and equipment necessary to drill and maintain your water well correctly. They can also ensure that your water well won’t get contaminated while knowing the appropriate pressure to reach your restaurant.
Use Greywater
Greywater is wastewater that has been used once but is still potable. Many restaurants generate large amounts of greywater daily by washing dishes or rinsing fruits and vegetables. Rather than letting this greywater go down the drain, consider using it for other tasks like watering plants or cleaning floors—it’ll save you money and help reduce your overall water usage. Here are some ways you can collect greywater in your restaurant.
Greywater Collector
One way to collect greywater is using a greywater collector, such as a sink diverter. This device diverts water from the sink into a bucket or container for later usage.
Greywater Filter
Consider investing in a greywater filter system if you want to collect and use greywater from your dishwasher or washing machine. These filters remove any particles that can clog pipes, making the water safe for reuse.
Water Management Plan
A comprehensive water management plan takes all aspects of your restaurant’s operations into account and outlines specific steps you can take to decrease your overall water usage. These plans can be customized to fit the unique needs of your business. Here are some essential things you need to have in your water management plan.
Collecting Rainwater
Rainwater is crucial for water management. It provides a sustainable water source and can be used for tasks like watering plants or washing floors. One way to collect water is through rain barrels. Position rain barrels outside near downspouts to collect water during rainstorms. This water can then be used for watering plants or other outdoor tasks.
Monitor Water Usage
Regularly monitor and track your water usage to identify any potential waste areas. Regularly monitoring water usage can adjust operations or implement new strategies to decrease water waste.
Implementing Strategies
Your plan should outline specific steps you can take to decrease water usage in your restaurant. This may include all the tips listed above. Put them in specific timelines and have regularly scheduled check-ins to ensure the plan is followed and changes are implemented effectively.
By implementing these strategies and creating a comprehensive water management plan, your restaurant can decrease its overall water usage while saving money on expenses. Not only that, you’ll be doing your part in preserving our precious water resources for future generations.
