Saving water at work
Water is a valuable resource but we often take it for granted. By conserving water we can protect this resource, along with reducing water and energy bills.
Remember if you haven’t measured it, you can't manage it.
Every drop counts, be conscious of water usage at home and work and only use what’s necessary;
- Put on dishwashers with a full load and on eco setting.
- Do not overfill kettles.
- Report leaking taps, toilets and showers.
- Have water dispensers where possible to fill reusable water bottles.
- Only use hot water when necessary to save energy.
Guidance for maintenance managers
- Monitor water use regularly.
- Calculate your water use and compare it with similar healthcare facilities.
- Check your site for water leaks.
- Use an online data logger, installed on your internal sub-meter or mains meter, to check your daily water use.
- Install sub-meters, which allow you to record water use in specific zones.
- Complete a survey of the main fixtures and fittings.
- Compare your hospital with national best practice benchmarks.
- Compare your main fixtures and fittings to best practice flow rates.
- Examine the supply pressure of water throughout your site.
Estates Sustainability Officers
Contact your local Estates sustainability officer for advice and guidance on water conservation.
Resources
Water Efficiency: A best practice guide for Irish Healthcare Facilities (PDF, 4MB, 24 pages)
Resource efficiency for community nursing units and nursing homes (PDF, 2.1MB, 20 pages)
Fact sheets
Water use benchmarks for hospitals (PDF, 455KB, 2 pages)
HSE leak detection guidance (PDF, 94.8KB, 3 pages)
Case Studies and other resources
Other resources including posters and case studies are available on our partner's website www.greenhealthcare.ie
The first step to reducing water use is to begin measuring and monitoring it regularly. There are two main ways of monitoring water in your facility.
Water Use - measuring, monitoring and benchmarking
Monitoring how much water you pay for
You should have a system in place to analyse water use. This helps with benchmarking and early leak detection. It ensures you are only paying for the water you use.
There are 3 main ways to monitor water in your healthcare facility;
- scrutinise your bills
- read your water meter
- use an online logger installed on internal sub-meters or the mains meter to get a profile of daily water use
Monitoring the water you use
To reduce the amount of water used, you need a better understanding of where, when and why it is being used. To understand this, and to get the most out of the water you are paying for, you need to address these 3 areas;
- daily use profile
- sub-metering
- survey of main water users
Find out more in our water efficiency - best practice guidance (PDF, 4MB, 24 pages)
Benchmarking water use
Benchmarking is a method to track water use over time and to compare water use in facilities. We have set up water benchmarks for healthcare facilities.
Find out more in our water use benchmarks fact sheet (PDF, 455 KB, 2 pages)
Leak detection
Detecting leaks helps to avoid wasting water, reduce expenditure, and prevents water contamination.
Our water leak detection fact sheet (PDF, 95KB, 3 pages) guides estates and maintenance managers.
Water conservation training
