Home Water Audit Creation
This playbook guides homeowners through the steps needed to conduct a water use audit. The purpose is to identify potential areas for water conservation within their homes, which can, in turn, reduce monthly utility bills.
Step 1: Preparation
Gather all necessary tools for the audit, including your most recent water bills, a notepad, pen, and watch or stopwatch to time water flow rates.
Step 2: Bill Analysis
Analyze your recent water bills to understand your average water usage. Look for any irregular spikes in consumption that may indicate leaks or periods of high water usage.
Step 3: Leak Check
Inspect all water fixtures for leaks. Check faucets, showerheads, toilets, and any other water appliances. Be sure to note even small drips, as these can add up to significant waste over time.
Step 4: Flow Rate Measurement
Measure the flow rate of faucets and showerheads using your watch or stopwatch. Record how much time it takes to fill a container of a known volume, such as a gallon jug, to estimate flow rates.
Step 5: Toilet Test
Perform a dye test on your toilets to ensure they are not leaking. Place a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait for 30 minutes without flushing. Check to see if the color appears in the bowl, which would indicate a leak.
Step 6: Usage Observation
Observe and record your household's water usage habits. Note how often and for what duration you use water-heavy appliances like washing machines and dishwashers.
Step 7: Data Analysis
Review all collected data and observations. Compare fixture flow rates and appliance use to standard benchmarks or efficient product ratings to identify potential areas for savings.
Step 8: Plan Implementation
Create an action plan based on the audit findings. This may include repairing leaks, replacing inefficient fixtures, altering water usage habits, or investing in water-saving appliances.
General Notes
Post-Audit Actions
After creating and implementing an action plan, monitor subsequent water bills to gauge the effectiveness of changes made. Adjust your plan as necessary for further conservation and savings.