Organizations of any size can reduce water use costs by implementing water-saving technology and properly maintaining existing systems. Large organizations, however, have even greater opportunities for savings.
With more than 300 facilities, Holiday Retirement Corp., headquartered in Salem, Ore., provides residences to seniors. Its efforts to curtail water costs have saved the organization millions of gallons of water.
Ken English, the organization’s project coordinator for capital improvements, has overseen retrofits in 20 buildings, which involved replacing up to 250 toilets in each building.
English considers several factors in determining which facilities should be retrofitted. For example, most retrofits have been done in areas of the country where water utility costs are higher. English also researches rebate opportunities from local municipalities.
English prepares carefully for each retrofit project.
“You have to make sure you cover every detail,” he says. The process includes securing contracts with vendors, arranging delivery and pick-up of Dumpsters, and making plans for an inspection.
