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This checklist is designed to give the Manager/Owner a quick reference to water conservation opportunities for multi-family residential property. The information provided is adapted from a checklist developed by the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA) Water Management Education Committee. It is quick and easy to complete, and is a nice reference to the many ways you can save water and money. Please consider each item carefully and determine if your property should implement some changes.  Remember, water savings often bring energy savings, too.

Inside the Apartments
Insulate water heater pipes
Install low-flow faucet aerators
Check for toilet leaks
Replace toilets with more efficient models
Use low-flow showerheads
Submeter individual apartments

 

Landscape Irrigation
Convert your landscaping to Florida-friendly landscaping
Establish a monthly budget based on plant water needs
Adjust the irrigation schedule for seasonal changes. Sprinklers generally do not have to be run as often in cooler weather, or during the rainy season.
Make sure that automatic irrigation equipment is operating properly:
  • Inspect the system regularly to ensure that there are no leaks and that heads are not broken or misaligned
  • Adjust pressures to the specifications for the equipment used
  • Check for proper operation of required rain sensing device
Water only when needed:
  • Determine water needs based on evapotranspiration or soil moisture
  • Water deeply on the allowed irrigation day(s) to encourage deep root growth
  • Turn off the system controller if it has rained
Install times, soil moisture sensors, and rain shutoffs
Use low-volume, or drip irrigation, wherever possible
Do not over-fertilize
Use heat resistant, drought tolerant plants
Limit turf areas
Be sure that hoses have shutoff nozzles
Use mulch around groundcovers, trees, and shrubs
Use a faucet timer if watering by hand
Overseed (winter lawns) functional areas only
If you have grass, mow regularly, avoid scalping grass
Convert landscape irrigation to use reclaimed water, where available

 

Pools and Spas
Do not use 'fill and draw' pools and spas
Use filtered backwash water for irrigation
Reduce the water used to back-flush pool filters
Cover pools and spas when not in use to reduce evaporation and heat loss
Adjust pool levels to minimize water splash. Water that is unavoidably splashed-out can be channeled onto the landscape or back into the pool.
Work with contractor to minimize number of pool drainages

 

Building Operations
Read water meters monthly. Compare the readings to those taken in the same month of the previous year. This will help to identify leaks as they occur, as well as monitor conservation efforts.
Make water use figures known to employees
Shut off water to unused areas
Check the pressure - where system pressure is higher than 60 psi, install pressure-reducing valves
Regularly check buildings for leaks and water waste
Remind residents to notify maintenance about leaks
Quantify water use by each appliance/operation by using a bucket and stopwatch or isolating each use and checking the meter

 

Cleaning and Sanitation
Sweep when you don't have to mop
Sweep drives and sidewalks instead of using a hose
When using a hose, use a shut-off valve
Change window cleaning schedule from "periodic" to "as required"

 

Laundries
Consider water use when purchasing equipment
Apartment communities can save more water by utilizing a common-area laundry room instead of an in-unit washing machine
Use hot water reuse systems and other water conserving technology where feasible
Avoid excess filter and softener backwash
Place signage to remind residents to wash only full loads
Investigate systems that recycle laundry water
Offer machines that offer multiple water level settings

 

Make it a Policy

Educate employees and residents about the importance and benefits of water conservation
Create water conservation suggestion boxes, and place them in prominent areas
Install signs in restrooms and common areas, which encourage water conservation
Assign an employee to evaluate water conservation opportunities and effectiveness
 

Any retrofitting and/or plumbing changes to facilities must be consistent with regulatory agencies. Check with the appropriate agencies before making changes.

 

 
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