5 Simple Ways to Save Water (and Money!) in Your NYC Co-op or Condo

Everybody wants to do their part to chip in and help save the planet; particularly if it helps them save their own money! In the past, we’ve offered many useful tips on reducing electrical consumption. While it is generally understood that electricity and water don’t mix, we are going to ignore that and follow up with tips on saving water (and of course, money)!

As a New York City co-op or condo owner, you have a responsibility to do your part in conserving water and energy. Not only will this help preserve our planet's most precious resources, but it will also save you money on your water bill even if this is included in your monthly fees. Here are five simple tips to help you reduce your water consumption and conserve energy:

1. Fix any leaks immediately: Leaks can waste a significant amount of water, and they can also cause damage to your property. Inspect your pipes, faucets, and toilets regularly for leaks, and get them fixed as soon as possible. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an average household's leaks can waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water per year, which is equivalent to the amount of water needed to wash 270 loads of laundry. With recent developments in the proptech industry, installing sensors have made leak-detection easier than ever.

2. Use the dishwasher and washing machine efficiently: Believe it or not, using a dishwasher and washing machine is more efficient than washing dishes and clothes by hand. Just make sure to only run them when you have a full load, as the same amount of water is used no matter how much laundry or dishes are inside.

3. Take showers instead of baths: A full bathtub can hold up to 70 gallons of water, while a 10-minute shower typically uses around 25 gallons of water. Even if you don’t fill the bath to the rim, it’s using substantially less water than a shower. Want to reduce those 25-gallon showers? Try setting a timer for yourself to help you stay on track.

4. Turn off the faucet when not in use: It's easy to forget to turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth or washing dishes, but it's a waste of water. Turn off the faucet when not in use to save water and money – even if it’s included in your maintenance or common charges.

5. Replace old appliances with water-efficient ones: If you have an old toilet, faucet, or showerhead, consider replacing them with more water-efficient options. This will not only help you save water, but can make you feel good about yourself by doing the right thing in being environmentally friendly.

By following these simple tips, you can make a difference in conserving water and energy, and save money on your water bill. Remember, it all starts at home and every little bit helps in preserving our planet's resources for future generations.

Bonus Tip: Additional Resources for Co-op or Condo Boards

If you are on your co-op or condo board, you have the opportunity to make an even greater impact on the environment. Some additional resources that your board can consider include:

• Conducting a water audit to identify areas where your building can conserve water.

• Installing low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets throughout your building.

• Implementing a rainwater harvesting system to collect and use rainwater for landscaping and other non-potable uses.

• Encouraging residents to participate in water conservation efforts by hosting educational seminars and providing resources on water-efficient practices.

By implementing these strategies, your co-op or condo board can make a significant contribution to conserving water and energy in your building, and help to preserve our planet's resources for future generations.

The Folson Group is a residential building efficiency consultancy that helps boards make their buildings safer, more sustainable, and more affordable. Get The Folson Group’s Energy Efficiency Policy©. It’s the only policy available on the NYC market to address the energy used inside the apartments. Schedule a strategy session with us to talk about how it would work for your building and strategically minimize those fines at the lowest possible cost to your co-op or condo.