Inflation isn’t the only financial issue top-of-mind for Americans. The New York Times cites a 50% increase in water and sewer bills over the past decade as both a major worry and a big budgetary drain. With utility expenses accounting for the lion’s share of non-fixed expenses,
landlords who pay for renters’ utilities face additional challenges in determining predictable cash flow.
So how can a landlord or property manager of a multifamily property avoid getting soaked by high water bills? Here are four tips to turn up savings, including a water management system.
Tip 1: Stop flushing money down the toilet.
Imagine a leak that never stops, such as a faucet that continuously drips or a running toilet.
How much water can a running toilet use? It may seem innocuous, but a running toilet can waste thousands of gallons per day–and millions per month–in multi-family units. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a slow-running toilet can waste 200 gallons of water daily–and other sources estimate up to 3,000 gallons per day via faster leaks. That’s not just a drop in the bucket—it’s a deluge.
As covered in our Running Toilet Water Usage guide, there are a host of reasons that toilets run. These include:
Leaky flapper seals
Incorrectly adjusted or maintained floats
Outmoded components (e.g. 10-15 years old) that don’t optimize water efficiency
Structural problems
Porcelain cracks
To ensure that toilets operate properly:
Speak to your maintenance team about performing checks to prevent water leaks caused by surface damage, leaks at the toilet base, and visible wear and tear
Have your team keep tabs on repeated clogging, which could signal inefficient flushing
Emphasize proper maintenance and care
Encourage your team to repair issues promptly
Use an automated leak detection system that offers real-time alerts
Also consider saving water–and money–with water conserving toilets. It’s a great way to avoid tanking your profits.
Tip 2: Don’t let showers drain resources.
Another water-hogging culprit: shower overuse.
How much water is used in a shower? According to 2023 data, a shower uses 1.5 gallons per minute with efficient shower heads and 2.5 gallons per minute with standard shower heads. And that doesn’t take into account longer “everything” showers or time spent singing in the shower, which 43% of Americans do.
With 1.5 to 2.5 gallons of water for each additional minute multiplied by the number of household members, daily showers, and rented units, you have a major drain on this precious resource–and your bank account.
To reduce water consumption, landlords and property managers can:
Install a shower head limiter/shower head regulator
Inspect shower heads for leaks or problematic nozzles
Replace rusty shower heads
Increase awareness of the impact of shower times on water use among tenants
Tip 3: Explore smart water solutions for landlords.
Water use–and waste–isn’t just found in the bathroom. There are other common sources of water waste in multi-family properties that contribute to unnecessary expenses and environmental impact.
In fact, according to the EPA, the average household has leaks averaging 10,000 gallons per year–and some have leaks totaling more than 32,000 gallons per year.
Faucets, whether running unattended or dripping, can lead to substantial water waste. (A leaky faucet can waste enough water to equate to nearly 200 showers!)
Faulty appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, and water heaters, can also create a leak in your bottom line, siphoning out profits, which are harder to come by in these tough economic times.
Being wise about what’s happening with water use can stave off problems. Property management solutions include:
Conducting regular inspections
Performing timely repairs when issues arise
Replacing outdated or faulty equipment
Monitoring for early detection
Using water usage tracking systems
Water consumption monitoring
Tip 4: Choose the best water utility management system. (AKA DrizzleX)
The truth is that most landlords and property managers won’t know about water leaks or overuse until the first high water bill turns up. That’s where water monitoring and water management systems come in.
Water monitoring and management can be done for each rental unit through a water management system that includes submetering. Rather than dribbling out general information in drips, submetering offers specific information about water use and changes in water consumption to ensure leak detection, water conservation, usage feedback, and cost savings.
It’s an approach that showers landlords and tenants alike with clear and lasting benefits.
Only DrizzleX has the ability to monitor every water fixture in every apartment, even in buildings that do not have unit-level mains. In addition, there’s no need to hire a plumber for installation break walls, or cut pipes
Save 20-40% or more with DrizzleX IoT water management system.
DrizzleX is the number 1 water management system for all multi-family buildings. With a powerful landlord dashboard, live alerts and reports for leaks and overuse, and easy installation in any building, DrizzleX turns down waste and turns up savings of 20-40% or more on water bills.
DrizzleX:
Offers water leak detection for hidden leaks, such as running toilets and leaky faucets, in real time
Stops millions of gallons of waste each year
Provides water consumption monitoring/water usage tracking to alert you of excessive water overuse
Can be easily installed in a few minutes by your maintenance staff
Ready to stop your profits from leaking with one simple change? Save water, save money, and save hassles with DrizzleX multi-family water system.
FAQs in Relation to Reducing Water Usage and Costs
What's the best way to save water in apartments?
The most efficient ways to save water include checking faucets for leaks, not using toilets as baskets, and not wasting too much water during showers.
How many gallons do tenants use per day?
An average person in the United States uses from 80 to 100 gallons of water per day. This count includes everything, from flushing the toilet, taking a bath, and brushing your teeth. However, in the most water-efficient buildings, this number should be less than 40 gallons per day.
How can we make tenants more responsible for water usage?
Fostering a sense of responsibility can be achieved by involving tenants in conservation efforts, providing regular feedback on water usage, and creating a culture of sustainability within the community.
Can landlords benefit from water conservation in their properties?
Yes, many local governments and utility companies offer rebates, incentives, or tax deductions for landlords who implement water-saving technologies and practices.
How can landlords measure the impact of their water conservation efforts while reducing water bills?
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