What you can do

Living Sustainably

Waterwise

Water saving tools and strategies

Install water saving devices

There are simple things you can do around the workplace to reduce water wastage through the use of water saving devices and fittings. Install water efficient taps, flow-regulators, showerheads, dual-flush toilets and infra-red urinals, water timers and sensors, water efficient appliances and other devices.

Install fixtures that deliver the highest water efficiency rating – a 6/3 dual-flush toilet and AAA-rated infra-red urinal can save your business up to $3000 per year for each cistern and reduce water use by 70%.

There is a range of water efficient products available, do some research and ask your supplier or plumber for advice and information on options and how they compare. Use the Water Efficiency Labelling scheme (WELS) and the National Water Conservation Rating and Labelling Scheme "AAA" to guide you on product selection and efficiency ratings.

Discuss your needs with and enlist the services of an Enviro/Green Plumber – who has specialist expertise in water and energy savings and sustainable plumbing practices. For information and contact information visit Green Plumbers or the EnviroPlumber website.

Reduce water wastage

One leaking tap can waste more than 2,000 litres a month. Reduce water wastage by regularly checking and fixing leaks in taps, toilet cisterns, pipes and appliance hoses.

Check and monitor your water bills. Compare consumption levels for the past two years to see how much water has been used – sudden or gradual increases in water use may indicate leakage. Also read your water meters regularly to identify any unexpected increases in water use. To confirm if the increase is due to a leak, carry out a night flow test when water use is nil or at a minimum.

Maintain all equipment and facilities – this not only protects and extends the life of your assets but also prevents water loss due to leaks, steam or condensation.

Check and monitor the water pressure and temperature of pumps, boilers, chillers, water heaters and hot water systems. Keep heating temperature at a reasonable level and shut down systems when not in use. Excessive pressure and temperature leads to wastage.

Replace water-based production systems with air-based systems. Also consider air cooling systems rather than water-cooled air conditioning and refrigeration.

Enviro/green plumbers can test for water leaks, and install and advise you on water saving devices both inside and outside your business. For more information visit Green Plumbers or EnviroPlumber websites.

If you spot a water leak within a commercial or residential block contact the owner or property manager. For mains water leaks or emergency repairs call Sydney Water's 24-hour emergency line on 132 090.

Educate and motivate staff

Raising staff awareness is a cost-effective and sustainable way to save water at your business or workplace.

Enlist the support of staff. Hold discussions and briefings to discuss water reduction objectives and strategies, and invite input and suggestions to secure ongoing support.

Encourage staff to adopt water saving practices. Organise an education program and include water conservation plans, policies and procedures in training programs and staff meetings.

Keep staff up-to-date with water conservation plans, policies and projections. Make water conservation a high priority behaviour and action. Provide incentives, for example, you could consider adding water conservation targets to staff performance reviews.

Use internal bulletins and emails to promote awareness of water saving initiatives, conservation targets and to report progress. Encourage staff participation.

Develop and implement a water conservation plan

To develop and implement an effective water conservation plan you need to review and understand your business processes, as well as your water usage.

Do an audit or survey of current usage. Identify where and how water is used across the whole enterprise – don't forget to include ancillary and supportive infrastructure and processes, as well as the main product and servicing function. A good tool to start with is a copy of site plans, with plumbing, drains, stormwater systems and water-using equipment identified.

Assess and calculate the current volume and cost of water consumption. Find out about best management practices in your area or industry, and talk to peers and industry bodies to see how your business compares.

Look for ideas and suggestions on where and how improvements could be made. Enlist help from people both inside and outside your business. Check relevant regulations and seek technical assistance to confirm requirements.

Talk to water authorities, industry associations and other relevant government agencies. Also investigate the availability of financial incentives. Participate in Sydney Water's Every Drop Counts Business Program to secure specialist support and assistance with strategy development.

Talk to industry peers, study other sectors and review case studies. Research and source new technology and water saving strategies – learn what others are doing.

Take advantage of the opportunity to improve efficiency and reduce resource wastage in all areas of the enterprise and its processes. Establish a plan of action and set water reduction targets – draft a plan and formulate strategies your business can achieve.

Gain management commitment to ensure resources are adequate to support the plan. Make water saving a core business objective not a short-term one-off activity. Appoint a 'water manager' who is responsible and accountable for enacting and driving the plan and initiatives. Educate and motivate the workplace to implement and innovate – chart water usage and savings, and display this in a public area.

Introduce an ongoing review and monitoring of water conservation and usage efforts and welcome opportunities for improvement.