SAMPLE PLAN
Long-Term Water Efficiency Plan
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Washington Regional Office
A. Commitment
The Washington Regional Office of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) completed this water efficiency evaluation and long-term efficiency plan in
compliance with Gov. Easley’s Executive Order # 26, and House Bill 1215 of 2002. Executive Order #
26 decrees that all state agencies must develop and implement a long-term water efficiency plan. House
Bill 1215 declares that all North Carolina state agencies must reduce water consumption by 10 percent.
Additionally, as a DENR regional office, those in the office exhibit a general concern for environmental
health and desire to operate in sustainable ways that minimize environmental impact. Water conservation
is an important part of sustainable living.
B. Scope of Plan
This water efficiency plan will focus on DENR’s Washington Regional Office. All calculations and plans
focus solely on the Washington Regional Office, including the office space at 609 Washington Square
Mall, and the marine fisheries storage facility in the back parking lot of 609 Washington Square Mall.
Water Efficiency Coordinator:
Sybil Shirley
C. Baseline Water Consumption
Estimated consumption: 2,875 gallons per day
Calculation based on water consumption guidelines for a standard office, where 25 gallons are allotted per
day for each employee. The Washington Regional Office of DENR has 115 employees.
Actual average consumption: 729 gallons per day
Actual water consumption based on data from monthly utility bills, calculated to determine average
consumption per workday. (Though the Washington Regional Office’s lease includes utilities, the office
manager was able to obtain the utility bills and water meter readings from the landlord’s management
company.) Tables and calculations attached.
The Washington Regional Office receives its water from Washington Utilities, run by the City of
Washington. Washington Utilities: (252) 975-9300.
D. Previous Water Conservation Measures
The Washington Regional Office previously initiated substantial water conservation efforts (see below).
The facility owner recently renovated the space and all fixtures are low-flow, water efficient models.
This, coupled with the water efficient procedures already in place, has resulted in more than a 50 percent
reduction in water consumption, compared to the estimated consumption for an office with 115
occupants. This situation, and accordingly the water conservation goals and percentage reductions for
this facility, may be unusual compared to the typical state agency water conservation plan.
16 Ultra-Low Flow (ULF) toilets and urinals installed (1.6 gallons per flush)
9 restroom faucets equipped with aerators
1 kitchen faucet equipped with aerator
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7 air-cooled refrigerators
5 air-cooled vending machines
2 air-cooled water fountains
De-ionized water from rinsing lab glassware re-used in lab autoclave
Contract with company for de-ionized water system to replace old method of distillation
to create de-ionized water. (Saves hundreds of gallons per day).
13 watercraft washed only every 3 months
25 automotives in motor pool washed infrequently, and at carwash
Rapid response and repair of leaks by maintenance team
Minimal landscaping (no watering needed—no turf, only climate-appropriate trees)
Once-through water-cooled ice machine replaced with an air-cooled model (2)
E. Prioritized Conservation Opportunities
The following opportunities were identified during the water audit. Three criteria were selected and
opportunities were ranked accordingly as high, medium, or low priority. The opportunities ranking high
in two or more criteria were selected for immediate attention and reduction.
Conservation Opportunity Water Used Affordability Payback Priority
(Currently) Period
Install spigot and aerator on the Medium High Rapid High
Emergency Response Team’s faucet in (High)
the main lab.
Reduce water pressure High High Instant High
(no cost) (Very High)
Install infrared/sonic sensors on Medium Medium Intermediate Medium
restroom faucets. (Medium)
Install automatic flush mechanisms on High Low Intermediate Medium
restroom toilets. (Medium)
Install waterless urinals in men’s High Low Intermediate Medium
restrooms. (Medium)
Train custodial staff on water Medium High Rapid High
conservation awareness. (High)
Implement employee education and Medium High Rapid High
awareness program. (High)
Capture and store rainwater for re-use High Very low Extended Low
in cleaning or plumbing system. (Low)
Initiate more efficient methods of Medium Medium Rapid Medium
cleaning and fire sprinkler (High)
maintenance.
F. Target Reduction Goal: Reduce water consumption by 10% by FY 2004-2005.
G. Selected Actions and Timelines
Conservation Actions Needed Responsible Party Deadline Status
Opportunity
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Install spigot and Consult with maintenance Office manager September
aerator on the staff. 2003
Emergency Purchase spigot and aerator. Mall maintenance November
Response Team’s 2003
faucet in the main Install spigot and aerator. Maintenance staff November
lab. 2003
Reduce water Investigate current water Office manager October
pressure pressure. 2003
Determine impacts of water Mall maintenance January
pressure reduction. and lab staff 2004
Consult with mall Office manager March 2004
management.
Reduce water pressure (or Mall maintenance June 2004
install pressure reducing
valves.)
Train custodial Appoint custodial liaison. Office manager September
staff on water 2003
conservation Analyze current custodial Custodial liaison. November
awareness. practices. 2003
Hold water conservation Custodial liaison January
awareness meeting with and mall 2004
custodial staff and suggest management/
changes in cleaning custodial contractor.
practices.
Implement Appoint program Office manager September
employee coordinator(s). 2003
education and Analyze current employee Program November
awareness water use patterns. coordinator(s) 2003
program. Hold water conservation Program January
awareness meeting with all coordinator(s) and 2004
employees. section supervisors
Follow meeting with Program January
reminders and additional coordinator(s) and 2004
materials on water section supervisors (continuous)
conservation for individuals.
H. Employee Education and Awareness Program
New employees will be issued a standard water information packet.
Office manager will communicate water conservation information with office staff via e-mail.
Information should include the water conservation plan, water conservation methods in the office, and a
list of essential and non-essential water uses. Office manager will periodically remind staff of water
conservation efforts, and notify staff of recurring problems with compliance or any changes in policy. As
new water conservation efforts are implemented, manager will communicate these changes to employees.
In the event of city water restrictions, managers will communicate the City of Washington’s drought
stages and any water restrictions to staff.
Posters highlighting water conservation and proper methods of water use will be placed in bathrooms and
other areas of water consumption.
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Notices highlighting the North Carolina laws and regulations on water conservation and sustainability
will be posted throughout the office.
I. Maintenance Program
The Washington Regional Office has an effective, ‘rapid-response’ system of reporting leaks. Leaks are
reported to the office manager, who records the problem on a list on the door of the custodial closet, or
contacts the maintenance staff immediately, if necessary. Custodial and maintenance staffs respond
quickly, and leaks are repaired swiftly after they are reported.
Office manager will coordinate with custodial staff to review procedures for cleaning and closing the
office at the end of each day. Custodial staff will be reminded of water conservation efforts, and the
importance of small things like making sure all faucets are turned completely off and all leaks are
reported quickly.
J. Important Contacts:
Joe Pearson, Landlord & Mall Owner Adam Waters, Water & Sewer Utilities
710 S. Marietta Director
Gastonia, NC 28050 City of Washington Utilities Department
704-867-5002 Washington Municipal Building
102 E. Second Street
Harry Baucom, Mall Management Office & Washington, NC 27889
Maintenance 252-975-9310
719 W 15th St
Washington NC 27889
252-946-1625
K. Essential Water Uses
Restrooms (17 toilets, 9 faucets) Required by OSHA.
Drinking fountains (2) Required by OSHA.
Water Quality Lab equipment (autoclave, 5 sinks, de-ionized water, icemaker)
Infrequent boat washing (13 boats) Necessary to prevent spread of pests and invasive
species, and to prevent costly damage to equipment.
Fisheries icemaker (1) Required for sampling and specimen preservation.
L. Continuous Improvement
For FY 2003- 2004, the Washington Regional Office water conservation team will meet on a quarterly
basis to evaluate progress on specified actions, communicate successes, and designate new targets as
necessary. At the beginning of each subsequent fiscal year, the water conservation team will meet to re-
evaluate water conservation at the facility, analyze progress, and identify new target areas for water
efficiency. The water conservation team will also review drought stages for the City of Washington, and
maintain awareness of drought status and any city ordinance changes impacting water use.
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