1-24
October 2012
1.2
Water Management Planning
Step 5. Implementing the Action Plan
The water management team should develop a targeted implementation strategy
for the action plan, which can significantly increase project success and help achieve
water management goals. This might include gathering support for specific projects
and practices. To maximize the opportunities for success, consider the following:
••
Ensure that the necessary resources (i.e., time, money, personnel) are available to
complete projects and practices included in the action plan.
••
Complete identified projects and practices in order of priority.
••
Promote key components of the action plan to employees and other relevant
stakeholders to gain support for specific projects.
••
Create incentives to encourage staff or those responsible for specific projects and
practices to take action and do their part to help achieve water management
goals.
••
Be creative and consider other resources that may be available to assist in imple-
mentation, such as other employees, utility and government programs, interns,
or engineering students.
••
In the event of a drought or other water emergency, implement measures as
specified in the emergency contingency plan.
Step 6. Evaluating Progress
The water management team should periodically conduct a formal review of water
use data and action plan implementation in the context of achieving the established
water management goals. This review allows the organization to evaluate progress,
set new goals, and continually improve. The water management team can also use
the review to demonstrate and promote the success of the water management pro-
gram, which can provide long-term support for the program and future projects and
initiatives. Evaluations can include the following:
••
Review water bills and meter and submeter readings to verify that the expected
water savings are achieved. Ensuring that expected savings are seen is referred
to as measurement and verification, and it is an important exercise to ensure that
projects are operating as expected. DOE’s FEMP has issued guidance on how to
conduct measurement and verification for water projects.
23
••
Review the action plan, at least on an annual basis, and revise water manage-
ment goals as they are achieved.
••
Use ENERGY STAR’s Portfolio Manager
24
to track progress and compare water use
over time. The Portfolio Manager tool is an effective way to keep track of water
use data and note water reduction successes.
23
DOE, EERE, FEMP. April 2008.
M&V Guidelines: Measurement and Verification for Federal Energy Projects, Version 3.0
,
Section 11.6.
.
24
EPA and DOE’s ENERGY STAR, Portfolio Manager Overview,
op. cit.
