With recent severe storm in Texas and other parts of the country, many communities experienced the dreaded pipe bursts that can occur with pipes and / or fire sprinkler lines freezing and thawing. Although after the fact now, here are some lessons learned from communities around the country: If your community experienced frozen pipes due…
Category: Water
When Conservation Efforts Backfire
I was at the airport this morning and made my routine stop at the ladies’ room before boarding my flight. As I wheeled my bag into the stall with me, the toilet flushed. As I sat down, it flushed again. When I stood up, it flushed for a third time (this one was appreciated). I…
Water and Sewer bills are rising fast
A recent Wall Street Journal article pointed out that water and sewer bills have increased over 5.5% annually over the last decade, three times the rate of inflation. And that pace is likely to continue, due to aging water and sewer infrastructure. https://www.wsj.com/articles/who-is-paying-to-fix-outdated-water-and-sewer-systems-you-are-1521106201 If it hasn’t already, this will pinch the pocketbooks of apartment owners…
Want to conserve water?
Want to conserve water – here is a list identifying the gallons of water associated with everyday tasks that will get you and your residents thinking about ways to conserve and save money: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/water-conservation-tips/
50% or water is wasted!
Weather-based irrigation controllers can use data to help save money. Read more from the EPA: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-01/documents/ws-products-minireport-irrigation-controllers.pdf
Marketing your “Green” Efforts
We began to market our “green” efforts as we implemented them at our properties. Not because potential residents were requesting the information, but because we wanted to stand out from our competition We wanted the current and potential residents to know that we had taken steps to save them money. So, we started educating the…
Simple Tips for Energy Conservation to share with your residents!
As apartment managers, we have the opportunity to speak with our residents and provide them with information relating to conserving energy in their home. Residents can often mistakenly assume that there is nothing they can personally do to conserve energy in their home, since they do not own the apartment or the building. We have…
Beyond Low Flow
Reducing water consumption is double barreled since it is the basis for sewer cost as well. The cheapest and easiest reduction measure is low flow aerators in bath and kitchen faucets and low flow showerheads. Checking toilets for leaks with a dye test every 6 months or when you change air filters or complete a…
Water Billing Issues in Atlanta GA
DeKalb County GA, Division of Watershed Management has been undercharging customers for water and sewer. Some owner/managers have received large bills, including back charges. If you have properties in served by this utility, watch your utility bills closely for back charges or long periods of estimations. The links below provide some history and a recent…
Have You Been Paying Attention to the Price of Water
The average monthly cost of water for U.S. consumers went up 6% in 2015 and has risen 41% since 2010, according to Circle of Blue, an industry research group. “We expect water rates to continue to grow above inflation for some time. We don’t see an ends in sight” says Andrew Ward, Director of U.S….