1-22
October 2012
1.2
Water Management Planning
Water Use Reduction
Opportunity/Project
Reference
Section
Already
Implemented
Evaluate/
Consider
Not
Applicable
4
4
4
Mechanical Systems (cont.)
Inspect chillers and air handler coils regularly and remove
dirt and scale buildup.
6.4
Regularly check and maintain boilers, steam lines, and
steam traps.
6.5
Laboratory and Medical Equipment
Use water purification only when necessary.
7.2
Turn off pumps when not in use.
7.3
Install thermostatically actuated valves to control the flow
of cooling water for steam sterilizer condensate discharge.
7.4
Replace old steam sterilizers and vacuum pumps with
newer models that do not use single-pass cooling or con-
densate discharge tempering water.
7.3, 7.4
Replace old fume hoods with a filtration system that does
not require water (e.g., activated carbon).
7.6
Inspect and repair worn cage-and-rack washer valves and
rinse nozzles.
7.7
Run glassware and cage-and-rack washers only when full.
7.5, 7.7
Consider converting from traditional film to digital X-ray
equipment.
7.8
Onsite AlternativeWater Use
Consider using onsite alternative water for irrigation, cool-
ing tower make-up, toilet and urinal flushing, fume hood
scrubbers, and other uses not requiring potable water.
8.0
Prioritizing Projects
All projects and practices selected should be considered in the context of achiev-
ing established water management goals, as well as overall cost-effectiveness. Once
water-saving opportunities have been identified, they should be prioritized using
criteria, such as urgency, cost-effectiveness, amount of potential water savings, vis-
ibility, and environmental impact. The water management team should address the
simplest and most urgent tasks first, as follows:
••
Fix any equipment that is malfunctioning or leaking to target the most urgent
issues first.
••
Start with simple projects and practices, particularly for new water management
programs. This will help create initial positive results and gain acceptance of pro-
gram goals and initiatives.
Table 1-4. Action PlanWater Use Reduction Opportunity Checklist (cont.)
