You may wonder what water use and saving energy have to do with each other? In most cases, electricity or gas are used to heat water, and this costs you money. In addition, your water company uses energy to purify and pump water to your business as well as in the treatment of your sewage. So part of your water and sewage bill is really an energy bill. The more water your business consumes, the more you will benefit from optimizing water use. Some ways to save related to the water you use are:

• Repair leaking pipes, fixtures and seals

• Install water-efficient appliances where applicable

• Install efficient showerheads and faucets

• Install controls that turn faucets off automatically

• Put in high-efficiency urinals

• Depending on your type of business, use horizontal axis washing machines

• Practice green landscaping (greenscaping or xeriscaping) to preserve natural resources and prevent waste and pollution

• Install an insulation blanket on water heaters seven years of age or older, and insulate the first 3 feet of the heated water "out" pipe from your water heater

• Install an energy-efficient water heater

• In areas of infrequent water use, consider "tankless" water heaters to reduce "standby" storage costs and waste

Check out the following links for additional information:

• EPA WaterSense: Efficiency Made Easy

• Water Wiser - The Water Efficiency Clearinghouse

• Water Efficiency Manual for Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional Facilities 

• Colorado Springs Utilities: Xeriscape

Produced in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Business Gateway and ENERGY STAR ®