Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing is committed to assisting our partners in meeting the housing needs in Ohio and other surrounding states.

Utility conservation has become a focus as a means to become both more environmentally conscious and reduce costs. The increase of water quality standards, federal requirements to reduce storm water discharge and aging infrastructure has greatly impacted water and sewer expenses. Water conservation methods have become more cost effective and many pay for themselves through reduced operating expenses in a couple years. Multi-family housing units constructed before 1993 have many opportunities to reduce operating expenses and water consumption through plumbing fixture retrofits and upgrades. 

In a review of water conservation material, we have put together some basic considerations for our partners in planning for the New Year.

The following areas may provide opportunities for multi-family communities to reduce water consumption:

Indoor and Outdoor Capital Investments

Sub metering each individual unit has had positive impact on reducing water use and is becoming less costly.

Toilets installed before 1993 may have the most significant impact on indoor water use. This first approach to water conservation should include locating and repairing leaks, consideration of replacing old toilets with ultra-low flush models and retrofitting toilets with water conserving devices. Water conserving devices include dual-flush adapters, tank water diverters, displacement bags and water conserving flapper valves.

Showerheads can be replaced with high efficiency models thereby reducing water use in half. These models use less water, have a comfortable spray and are an inexpensive approach to water conservation.

Sink retrofits can have an impact with very little expense. Owners should locate and repair any faucet leaks and install low flow faucet aerators in resident units. The installation of infrared sensors or push button faucets in common area bathrooms will also help reduce water consumption.

Laundry washers can be replaced with tumble action washers (horizontal axis). These machines are known to use less than 60% less energy and 40% less water than vertical load and usually pay for themselves in less than two years through lower utility bills. Studies also show that the replacement of laundry machines in individual units with a common area laundry room can have a significant impact on water use.

Outdoor conservation suggestions include performing an audit on the existing irrigation system to identify ways to improve the efficiency and remediate leaks. Also, adjusting water schedules for the season and landscape needs, replacement of a standard spray system with a drip irrigation system and a separate meter for irrigation use can have an impact on the overall use of water. A natural approach to water conservation includes replacing turf areas with native or low water using plants.

Resident Education

Resident education includes communicating water conservation practices through resident meetings and newsletters. These communications should highlight the positive effects water conservation has on the environment and the potential impact on future rent increases. Owners may choose to invite utility conservation specialist in to speak about conservation methods and impact, include a column in the monthly resident newsletter on conservation tips and post information on the bulletin board or website.

Water Conservation Incentives

Check with your local water utility to see if they offer water conservation incentives. Incentives may range from rebates for purchasing water conserving toilets and appliances to free kits that include faucet aerators, toilet tank displacement bags and leak detection tablets.

Resources

Information contained in the article was obtained from the Water Conservation Manual, A Practical Guide to Saving Water and Money. City of Portland, Portland Water Bureau.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Policy Development and Research have published two guides available on the HUD website: Overview of Retrofit Strategies, A Guide for Apartment Owners and Managers and Retrofitting Apartment Buildings to Conserve Water. The manuals provide information on water saving assessment process, strategies, costs and monitoring.