Five Ways Co-ops and Condos Can Conserve Water and Lower Water Bills
April 11, 2014 — The New York City metro area generally doesn't have the drought issues of some other parts of the country, but water conservation still remains a good idea. While consumption, condensation and rain make Earth a closed-loop system, we use up our relatively scarce fresh water faster than it can be replenished. Nor is it guaranteed that the quality of the replenished water will be the same. Treating water to make it drinkable takes major expenditure of energy and equipment — and low levels of water in reservoirs can mean higher concentrations of pollutants. Plus, water rates are up and bills are going through the roof.
How can condo and co-op boards help conserve water, and save not only that but also money and energy?
1. Make Changes in Common Areas
Cooperative and condominium-association board members can set examples by implementing water-saving changes in common areas. Install low-flow toilets and water conserving sinks in common-area restrooms, for instance.
2. Educate Residents About Water Conservation
Setting an example is just the first step. Co-op and condo boards should provide residents with regular tips about water conservation via community newsletters and emails, including information on how to install water-saving features in their apartments. The more education boards provide to residents, the more effective your building's water conservation plans will be.
3. Use Mandated Energy Audits to Raise Awareness
Boards are, or should be, familiar with Local Law 87 and its required energy audits. While an energy audit looks at all utilities, including electric and gas, it can also prove to be an invaluable tool to help you find and eliminate areas of water waste. Boards can use the data derived from an audit not only to help identify ways to save water and money, but to give residents concrete facts and water-reduction goals. A third-party energy audit company can provide an unbiased point of view.
4. Take a Closer Look at Landscaping
Landscaping can be a significant source of wasted water. Sometimes old and poorly maintained irrigation equipment are the issue, and sometimes the use of plants that require large amounts of water.
5. Partner with Your Property Manager
Board committed to water conservation must make their management companies aware that this is a priority. Your managing agent can then help with your efforts by facilitating communication between community members and leadership, working with utility companies on water conservations, and researching and suggesting innovations by other boards or new technologies to create water-saving strategies.
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