The Importance of Industrial Water Conservation
Water scarcity is becoming a critical issue across North America. Industrial facilities, which account for a significant portion of water consumption, have both the opportunity and responsibility to implement conservation measures.
Assessment and Benchmarking
Water Audit
Conduct a comprehensive water audit to understand:
- Total water intake and sources
- Water use by process and department
- Wastewater generation and treatment
- Opportunities for reduction and reuse
Industry Benchmarks
Compare your water intensity (water use per unit of production) against industry benchmarks to identify improvement opportunities.
Conservation Technologies
Closed-Loop Systems
Implement recirculating water systems for cooling and process applications. These can reduce water consumption by 90% or more compared to once-through systems.
Advanced Treatment for Reuse
Install treatment systems that allow wastewater to be reused for:
- Cooling tower makeup
- Landscape irrigation
- Equipment washing
- Process water (with appropriate treatment)
Smart Monitoring
Deploy real-time monitoring systems to:
- Detect leaks quickly
- Optimize water use in real-time
- Track consumption patterns
- Generate compliance reports
Financial Benefits
Water conservation investments typically offer:
- 2-5 year payback periods
- Reduced water and sewer costs
- Lower energy costs (water heating and pumping)
- Improved regulatory compliance
- Enhanced corporate sustainability credentials
