How Rainwater Conservation Helps Businesses “Go Green”

Recently, this Inc. Magazine article named RainHarvest Systems as one of the seven eco-friendly companies working to “save the world.” We were honored to have author Drew Hendricks (@Drew Hendricks) say this about us:

#3: RainHarvest Systems

“Don’t let heavy rains ruin foundations, destroy soil grading in your garden–or go to waste. Proper harvesting of rainwater can protect your home and property while providing you with healthy drinkable and gray-water. Lower your monthly water costs, maximize the use of natural resources, and take another step closer to living off the grid. Choose from a wide variety of systems and accessories for every need and budget.”

This made us think about how rainwater conservation isn’t just a homeowner’s issue; it’s important for businesses, schools, and even hospitals to conserve water, too. A recent study showed that 99% of business managers surveyed ranked water conservation as a “top five” priority over the next decade.

As an installer of commercial and industrial rainharvesting systems, we’ve seen the economic and environmental benefits of mitigating stormwater runoff and conserving municipal water usage. It’s not just for large companies: your small business can do its part to save water, too. Here’s a list of tips that organizations of any size can utilize and help their business “go green!”

Make suggestions to your employer or school about ways to save water and money.

Encourage your school system and local government to develop and promote water conservation among children and adults.

Have a plumber re-route your greywater to trees and plants rather than the sewer line. Check with your city and county for codes.

See how your water use stacks up to others by calculating your daily water use.

Post a hotline in bathrooms and kitchens to report leaks or water waste to facility managers or maintenance personnel.

Create a suggestion and incentives system at your organization to recognize water-saving ideas.

Implement a water management plan for your facility, and then educate employees on good water habits through newsletters and posters.

Publish your organization’s monthly water use to show progress toward water-saving goals.

Invite your water utility conservation staff to your organization for Earth Day and other environmental events to help promote water savings.

Do a water audit of your facility to find your recommended water use. Monitor your utility bills to gauge your monthly consumption.

If you use processed water in your business or facility, look into water recycling.

Become or appoint a “water ambassador” within your organization who creates, implements and maintains your water conservation program.

Become a proud WaterSense® partner and let all your customers know.

Conduct a facility water use inventory and identify water management goals.

Don’t forget hidden water use costs, like energy for pumping, heating and cooling, chemical treatment, and damage and sewer expenses.

Show your company’s dedication to water conservation through a policy statement. Commit management, staff and resources to the effort.

Create a goal of how much water your company can save and plan a celebration once that goal is met.

Ask employees for suggestions on saving water and give prizes for the best ideas. Incentivize it!

Write feature articles on your employee website that highlight water-saving ideas and successes.

Visit your local Water Conservation office’s website to get information on programs available to businesses.

Ask your company to support water conservation events and education. ProjectWet hosts local events throughout the country.

Support projects that use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and industrial uses.

If you’re ready to take your facility to the next level of water conservation, let us help you plan, design, implement and maintain a rainwater harvesting system that’s built for your business. Our in-house CAD department and experienced LEED AP design staff can help your system earn your business eco-certification, too. Give us a call at 800-654-9283 or visit our website for more information and a look at the products and services we provide.