Posted: 05/22/2007

Water Use Efficiency

AWWA strongly encourages water utilities to adopt policies, procedures, and programs that result in the efficient use of water, in their operations and by the public, through a balanced approach combining demand management and supply-side practices.

To this end, AWWA supports the following water conservation principles and practices:

1. Using comprehensive integrated resource planning in both water supply and water conservation planning, and encouraging a regional approach rather than uncoordinated action by individual water providers;

2. Accurately monitoring consumption and timely billing based on metered usage;

3. Adopting full-cost pricing and conservation rate structures;

4. Developing and implementing defined water conservation best management practices for all customer end uses:

• a. Encouraging conversion of existing high-water-use plumbing fixtures, appliances and equipment to more efficient designs;
• b. Providing water use audits and technical assistance to high-use residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial customers;
• c. Encouraging efficient irrigation, appropriate landscape materials, design standards, and proper maintenance and management;
• d. Developing and using educational materials on local water resource issues and the need for water conservation;
• e. Developing and using public information and education programs for all types of customers promoting water efficient practices and water conservation methods;
• f. Adopting policy and procedures to reduce water waste of all kinds.

5. Participating in the development of new water efficiency standards for plumbing fixtures, appliances and equipment;

6. Investigating and implementing appropriate water reuse, including use of on-site sources of water, such as rainwater and stormwater harvesting, and the beneficial use of air-conditioner condensate and gray water;

7. Engaging in continued research and dissemination of results on efficient water use practices.

8. Demonstrating public sector leadership by adopting policies and regulations that mandate efficient water use practices in all public facilities.

To comment, click here. Comments are due by June 22, 2007.