WATER CONSERVATION

Participation in the water conservation category is likely to result in an overall decrease in your business’ water bill over time or a stable bill as rates increase over time. You can also lower your energy bills by reducing the amount of water heated or cooled. But the benefits of participation go beyond monetary rewards: water conservation on the part of residents and businesses in our communities ensures a clean, safe, and reliable water supply for everyone. For more information on water conservation rebates available through the Cascade Water Alliance, please click here or email for more information and materials.

Business Name: 

Check all that apply. A minimum of six (6) activities are required to qualify.

Good Housekeeping/Behavior Change

Employee education – include water conservation policies and procedures in staff training/orientation.
Recognize employees for offering water conservation ideas and changing behaviors.
Establish a water conservation suggestion box.
Encourage employees to report leaks.
Encourage employees to wash personal and company vehicles at commercial carwashes that recycle their water.
Post signage in business encouraging water conservation.
Serve drinking water only upon request (in restaurants and bars).
Monitor and post water usage rates – identify high consumption areas and develop a reduction plan.
Encourage dry cleanup (sweeping/vacuuming) before using water for final washing.
Use waterless hand cleaners.
Other:

Indoor Improvements

Install faucet aerators/low flow, flush valve, or infrared controlled toilets and urinals.
Install efficient pre-wash spray valve(s) in commercial kitchen.
Improve kitchen dishwasher efficiency (run only when full, hand scrape, fill racks to capacity).
Recycle process water.
Improve cooling tower efficiency/optimize blowdown – regular service of cooling system.
Use air-cooled as opposed to water-cooled ice machines (10x more water used for water-cooled).
Limit or eliminate use of garbage disposal. Email or call the City of Kirkland at (425) 587-3812 for assistance in setting up a commercial food waste program at no extra charge through Waste Management)
Other:

Outdoor Improvements

Plant native, drought-tolerant, water efficient plant species
Plant smaller or reduce turf areas
Use drip/trickle lines or low flow sprinkler heads
Optimize/reduce watering schedules (morning/evening/no rain watering)
Improve soils with composts/mulches to improve water holding capability
Ongoing regular maintenance (i.e. pruning, irrigation)
Other:

Congratulations! You have completed the Water Conservation category. Please review your application and click on the “Submit” button. City staff will review your application and contact you soon.