This article is the fifth in a series on incorporating water efficiency policies when updating or establishing corporate sustainability goals. Read parts one, two, three and four.

If you’ve been keeping up with our water efficiency blog series, you already know that reducing water consumption and usage is at the forefront of global sustainability concerns. Climate change and global warming have had a huge impact on the number of droughts we are seeing on annual basis – something those of our team that are located in California have witnessed first-hand.

How can your company continue to go above and beyond when incorporating water efficiency policies into your corporate sustainability plan? After updating your facilities with water-efficient technologies and implementing office protocols that reduce water usage, it is time to consider investing in alternative water resources.

Recycled and reused water can help reduce energy output and save money. The number of these alternative water sources is expansive and includes everything that does not come from fresh surface water or groundwater and helps to offset the demand for freshwater. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, alternative water resources can include water harvested from rainwater, stormwater and greywater (or lightly used water from bathroom sinks, showers, bathtubs and washing machines that may contain traces of dirt, food, grease, hair and/or specific household cleaning products).

Are you looking for assistance brainstorming ideas about alternative water resources or interested in creating a water efficiency plan? Please call us at (415) 351-2227. We will be happy to help!

Alternative water sources can be used for a number of different purposes including irrigation, toilet and urinal flushing, landscaping and cooling tower make-up water. When considering these types of water resources to bolster your water efficiency policies and overall corporate sustainability plan, take into consideration the following to ensure you are using the right type of water for specific purposes:

1. Selecting sources that will prove to be adequate resources for recycled and reused water, this includes sources that can be used for multiple purposes.
2. Determining what permits you will need locally and statewide in order to acquire the alternative water.
3. Creating a department that oversees the use of acquiring and allocating the use of alternative water sources and the level of quality for each application.

By determining how your company can reuse and recycle water your facility is already using, not only will you be saving money, but you will also be further reducing your water usage. As we’ve discussed in our previous articles, making a conscious effort to lessen your water consumption is essential as companies start to consider employees returning to offices in a post-COVID world. Doing so will prove helpful in attracting talent and customers, while also helping to reduce your company’s carbon footprint.

For ideas on how you can weave alternative water resources into your water efficiency plan, visit:

1. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Alternative Water Sources
2. S. Environmental Protection Agency Best Management Practices
3. Suez Water Technologies & Solutions Sustainable Water Reuse

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