How Effective Utility Management Saves Water and Reduces Costs

Managing utilities well is important for the success of multi-family properties. Property managers often deal with rising utility costs, wasted resources, and unhappy tenants. Better water utility management can help you fix these problems, save money, and make things more sustainable.

In this article, we’ll explore how property managers can benefit from following effective utility management practices. We'll go over tips and practices that can help you conserve water and cut costs on utilities.

What Is Effective Utility Management?

The American Water Works Association (AWWA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and nine other organizations representing the U.S. water and wastewater sector have worked together to promote effective utility management (EUM).

Effective utility management means monitoring and improving how utilities like water, energy, and waste are used in a property. It's about using tools and making smart decisions today that will keep utilities working well for everyone tomorrow.

Utility management is especially important in multi-family buildings, where high usage and shared resources can lead to waste if left unchecked.

How Effective Utility Management Saves Water in Multi-Family Buildings

Saving water is a priority for property managers, especially in multi-family buildings where even small inefficiencies can lead to large amounts of waste. Effective utility management uses technology, upgrades, and proactive strategies to ensure water is used wisely.

Identifying and Fixing Leaks Early

Water leaks are one of the most common causes of water waste in multi-family properties. A single leaking faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year. For larger leaks, the numbers multiply quickly, leading to higher bills and potential property damage.

How to detect and fix leaks:

Install smart leak detectors - These devices alert property managers as soon as irregular water flow is detected, allowing for quick action.
Conduct regular inspections - Routine checks of pipes, faucets, and appliances can catch leaks before they grow worse.
Set up automatic shutoff systems - In the event of a major leak, these systems can stop the water supply immediately, preventing damage.
Track water usage per unit - Submetering systems measure water consumption in individual units, making it easier to detect abnormal usage that can be a sign of a potential leak.

Installing Water-Efficient Fixtures

Outdated plumbing fixtures can waste a lot of water. Replacing these with modern, efficient options is one of the easiest ways to save water in multi-family properties.

Low-flow showerheads are a great way to cut water use by up to 50% without sacrificing water pressure, making them both efficient and comfortable.

Dual-flush toilets offer another smart solution, using less water for liquid waste while providing a full flush only when necessary. Water-saving aerators are simple faucet attachments that reduce water flow while maintaining strong pressure, making them an easy and effective upgrade for conserving water.

Encouraging Tenant Involvement

Tenants play a significant role in water usage. Educating them about conservation can lead to meaningful reductions in the overall water consumption of tenants.

Encourage water conservation by sharing practical tips, like turning off taps while brushing teeth, running only full loads of laundry, and promptly reporting leaks. Including water-saving guides in move-in packets is another effective way to educate tenants about simple habits that can make a big difference.

Offering incentives to recognize tenants who actively participate in conservation—such as reducing their water usage or reporting issues—can help foster a community-wide effort to save water.

Preventing Costly Emergencies

Unexpected issues like burst pipes or major leaks can lead to high repair costs and increased water bills. Preventive maintenance and monitoring systems are critical for avoiding these emergencies.

Schedule routine maintenance - Regularly inspecting plumbing and water systems reduces the risk of failures.
Upgrade old infrastructure - Replacing aging pipes and fixtures reduces the chances of costly breakdowns.

How DrizzleX Supports Effective Utility Management

DrizzleX empowers property managers to reduce water waste, cut costs, and manage utilities more effectively. By detecting hidden leaks and tracking tenant water usage, DrizzleX helps multi-family buildings lower water bills by 25-45% on average, with ROI typically achieved in just 9 months.

DrizzleX’s effects on water use were confirmed in an independent study by Dickinson Associates and Gauley Associates Ltd.

Usage reports: DrizzleX’s "Water Consumption Insights Report" provides detailed data to help tenants understand and adjust their water usage, reducing unnecessary expenses.
Leak detection: Silent leaks don’t have to stay hidden. DrizzleX pinpoints water loss in real time and alerts you to problem areas before they rack up high utility bills.
Email notifications: Get notified about leaks with precise details—location, gallons wasted, cost impact, and possible solutions.
Fair billing: Promote conservation by billing tenants accurately based on their actual water use.

Take control of your building’s water usage with DrizzleX, the ultimate tool for effective utility management. Get a quote today!

FAQs About Effective Utility Management

What is the concept of sustainable utility management?

Sustainable utility management means managing water and wastewater utilities in a way that supports community sustainability and long-term viability. It balances operational efficiency with environmental responsibility and financial viability while delivering high-quality service to customers.

What is the purpose of benchmarking in utility management?

Benchmarking in utility management compares performance against industry standards, helping property managers, building owners, and wastewater utility managers identify areas for improvement and achieve excellence in utility performance. It promotes effective utility management by setting goals and making informed decisions that help managers handle everyday challenges.

What is utility management software?

Utility management software helps water sector utilities streamline operations, track performance, and manage resources efficiently. It supports effective utility management by helping managers make informed decisions, maintain infrastructure, and ensure the long-term sustainability of services.

What are the ten attributes of effective utility management?

EUM is based on the ten attributes of Effectively Managed Utilities. These EUM attributes are: product quality, customer satisfaction, employee and leadership development, operational optimization, financial viability, infrastructure strategy, community sustainability, water resource sustainability, enterprise resiliency, and stakeholder understanding and support. Together, these attributes guide utilities toward effective management that balances operational, environmental, and community goals for long-term success.