How to Gain Insight and Save Water in Your Property
As a property manager, you know that water consumption represents a significant portion of both operational budgets and residents’ overall expenses. But how much water does each resident actually use – and where does it go? According to studies from the International Water Association and other sources, an average person uses around 105 liters (28 gallons) of water per day. While this may not seem like much, in a larger building the amounts quickly add up. In a property with 50 residents, this corresponds to approximately 158,000 liters (41,700 gallons) per month – for household use alone.
Small Habits – Big Savings
According to energy and water authorities, the average person spends about 34 minutes in the shower per week – roughly 5 minutes per shower.
Even small changes can make a noticeable difference:
- Reducing shower time by 2 minutes per day for a family of four heating water with gas can save up to €500–€550 per year.
- Low-flush toilets typically use 3–6 liters per flush, or as little as 2–4 liters for small and large flushes, compared to older toilets that can use up to 12 liters per flush.
Where Does the Water Go?
More than 60% of water consumption occurs in the bathroom:
- Showering and personal hygiene: 36%
- Toilet flushes: 27%
- Laundry: 13%
- Dishwashing and cleaning: 10%
- Cooking and drinking: 7%
- Other uses: 7%
These figures clearly show that even small changes in daily habits can have a large impact.
What Does This Mean for a Whole Property?
If each of the 50 residents in a building reduces shower time by 2 minutes per day, the impact can be significant:
- About 1,000 liters (264 gallons) of water saved per day (assuming 10–12 liters per minute).
- Up to 30,000 liters (7,925 gallons) per month.
At the same time, energy consumption for heating water is reduced – which directly lowers both CO₂ emissions and heating costs.
This demonstrates that small, everyday adjustments can create significant economic and environmental benefits when scaled to the property level
Give Residents Access to Their Own Data
It is important that each resident can see their own water consumption. When residents track their monthly usage, it becomes easier for them to take responsibility and adjust habits.
Property managers or owners should encourage residents to check their consumption regularly, especially during the heating season. This increases engagement and leads to tangible savings.
Monitoring Provides Insight and Actionable Opportunities
In addition to providing residents access to their own data, it is also crucial for property managers to have a comprehensive overview of total water consumption in the building.
By monitoring water use systematically, you can:
- Identify unusual patterns or potential leaks.
- Compare consumption across different properties or building sections.
- Document the results of efficiency improvements.
- Engage residents with concrete data that makes their efforts visible.
Efficient Management with Energy Management Systems
With Brunata Energy Management, you get a digital tool that consolidates and visualizes both water and energy consumption data.
An EMS allows you to:
- Quickly respond to irregularities.
- Track consumption patterns over time.
- Document the results of energy and water efficiency measures.
- Make informed operational decisions based on accurate data.
This ensures optimized building management, reduced waste, and better control over both costs and environmental impact.