Conserving water in apartment buildings protects one of the Earth's most precious natural resources, but it can also save money in the long run for both tenants and landlords.
Along with reducing water waste and expenses, water conservation steps can also help to keep the planet healthy and safe. Below are a few eco-friendly property management solutions to help landlords and tenants work together to conserve water.
Water Saving Tips for Apartment Tenants
Even though apartment dwellers usually consume less water than stand-alone homes, there are many things renters can do to consume less water.The following eco-friendly and sustainable property management steps are easy to take and can make a significant difference in the amount of water consumed on a daily basis.
Bathrooms
- Take showers instead of baths, since bathtubs usually require about 50 gallons of water to fill.
- Reduce shower times by one or two minutes to save up to 700 gallons per month.
- Turn off water when brushing your teeth or shaving to save about 3 gallons of water per day.
- Never place trash in the toilet, since each flush uses about 1.6 for a water-saving toilet to 7 gallons of water for a conventional toilet
Kitchens
- Scrape dishes with a spatula or a used napkin to limit pre-rinsing.
- Wash dishes in a full dishwasher instead of by hand.
- Fill containers with soap and rinse water for hand washables instead of running water.
- Use sprayers and vegetable brushes to clean food.
- Do not use your garbage disposal to get rid of food.
- Defrost foods in a refrigerator, microwave, or cold water bowl instead of running water.
Laundry
- Wash only full loads of laundry to use less water and to reduce energy costs in Boston.
- Avoid washing clothes and other types of laundry unless truly needed. For example, use or wear bath towels and clothing at least two times unless they smell bad or are stained.
Outdoor Areas
- Collect water used for boiling eggs, steaming vegetables or while waiting for it to heat up in the kitchen or shower to water grass, plants, flowers and trees on your patio or balcony.
- Save rainwater in a cistern, rain barrel or other type of container to water greenery.
- Choose drought-friendly plants so that you will not need to water very often.
Touch Base With Your Landlord
- Report any type of leak to your landlord, including dripping faucets, seeping plumping joints or running toilets. Also contact your landlord right away if you notice broken sprinklers, washing machines or pipes.
- Notify your landlord if you observe any type of water waste. For example, let your landlord know if gardeners use water to clean pathways rather than sweeping with a broom.
Water-saving Tips for Landlords
Promoting eco-friendly property management practices can help landlords streamline their operations and save water and money for everyone.
In addition, renters are more likely to consume less water if landlords take the steps below.
Promote Conservation Habits
Make sure tenants understand that you support water-saving measures and other earth-friendly conservation efforts so they feel comfortable contacting you with their water conservation issues and suggestions. Preventative maintenance to mitigate common HVAC problems or burst pipes can help to keep everyone safe from issues.Encourage tenant water conservation efforts by posting the above tips in a common area.
Plumbing and Water-Saving Appliances
- Fix any reported leaks, seeps or drips as soon as possible.
- Install low-flow shower heads and water-saving faucet aerators.
- Place low-flow toilet, since they use only 1.6 gallons for each flush and can save thousands of gallons of water per year.
- Install water-saving dishwashers.
Landscaping
- Design outdoor landscaping with drought-friendly plants, flowers and grass to reduce overall water consumption and include automatic shut-off devices on irrigation systems to prevent water systems from operating during inclement weather.
- Make sure gardeners use hoses with shut-off nozzles and incorporate efficient outdoor watering schedules to prevent water runoff and water waste.
- Advise gardeners to keep mower blade settings high so that longer grass to prevent water loss and protect roots from harsh weather.
- Mulch any plants, trees or flowers to reduce water evaporation and weeds.
Eco-Friendly Property Management
Premier Property Management is an eco-friendly and sustainable property management company that can help keep your investments solvent. Whether you decide to save money on new water heater efficiency standards or take steps to reduce water waste, green habits like these can help you earn the respect of the community, reduce your impact on the environment and preserve your working capital.
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