Five Ways Co-ops and Condos Can Conserve Water and Lower Water Bills

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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