Why Every Building Needs a Water Audit in 2025
January 7, 2025
Water usage in homes and apartment complexes is a significant consideration for tenants and landlords. One of the primary culprits of water consumption in the household is the shower. Understanding how many gallons per minute (GPM) a shower uses, its implications, and how to manage it can substantially benefit cost savings, sustainability, and overall tenant satisfaction.
The time spent in the shower is one of the most significant factors affecting water usage. A quick 5-minute shower uses considerably less water than a leisurely 15-minute shower.
The showerhead’s flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM), directly impacts water usage. Older showerheads can have flow rates as high as 5-8 GPM, while modern low-flow showerheads typically use 1.5.
High water pressure can increase the showerhead’s flow rate, leading to more water being used. Installing pressure-reducing valves can help manage water pressure and reduce water usage without compromising the shower experience.
How often people shower also affects overall water usage. Daily showers, common in many households, contribute to higher water consumption. Reducing the frequency of showers, when appropriate, can lower water usage.
Individual habits, such as turning off the water while lathering or shampooing, can make a difference in the water used.
Showering accounts for nearly 17 percent of residential indoor water use.
A standard 2.5 GPM shower head uses 2.5 gallons of water each minute. That’s 25 gallons for a 10-minute shower.
Most Canadians take just under one shower a day. If we round that up to seven showers per week, at 25 gallons per average shower, it comes to just over 175 gallons of average shower water usage per person weekly.
Over a year, that comes to 9,100 gallons for a single person. Apartments average 2 people per unit, which equates to $374 per year per apartment (based on Toronto water rates.)
And some inefficient models are even worse – 5 gallons a minute, 50 gallons a day, costing as much as $750 a year.
Now multiply this by 50 or 100 apartments in a typical building, and a property owner is looking at seriously high water bills.
For landlords, water usage directly translates to operating costs. High water usage can significantly inflate utility bills in properties where water is included in the rent. Even in cases where tenants pay for water, excessive usage can lead to higher maintenance costs, such as wear and tear on plumbing systems and water heaters. By understanding and managing shower water usage, landlords can better control these expenses, potentially increasing the profitability of their properties.
Water is a precious resource, and its conservation is becoming increasingly critical. High water consumption contributes to the depletion of local water supplies and increases the demand for energy-intensive water treatment and distribution processes. Reducing shower water usage aligns with broader sustainability goals, helping landlords position their properties as environmentally responsible and appealing to eco-conscious tenants.
One of the simplest and most effective solutions is to install low-flow showerheads. These devices are designed to use less water without sacrificing pressure, providing a satisfactory shower experience while conserving water. Modern low-flow showerheads can reduce water usage to 1.5 GPM or even less, resulting in substantial water savings over time.
However, not all tenants are immediately enthusiastic about low-flow showerheads. Some common complaints include reduced water pressure and a less satisfying shower experience. To address these concerns, landlords should invest in well-reviewed models known for maintaining good water pressure. Also, consider offering a trial period to allow tenants to test low-flow showerheads for a few weeks with the option to revert to the original showerhead if unsatisfied.
Ensuring all plumbing fixtures, including showerheads, are in good working condition is vital. Leaks and drips can significantly increase water usage. Regular inspections and maintenance can prevent these issues, saving water and reducing costs.
Educating tenants about the importance of water conservation and how they can contribute is another crucial step. Providing tips on shorter showers and reporting leaks promptly can foster a community culture of conservation.
Investing in water usage monitoring systems can help landlords track water consumption in real time. These systems can identify high-usage patterns and potential leaks, allowing for proactive management. Some advanced systems can even provide tenant usage reports, increasing awareness and encouraging conservation efforts.
Landlords can consider implementing incentive programs to encourage tenants to reduce their water usage. This could include rewards for tenants who consistently use less water or discounts on rent for those who participate in water-saving initiatives.
Understanding and managing shower water usage is crucial for landlords aiming to control operating costs, enhance property sustainability, and increase tenant satisfaction. Landlords can make significant strides in water conservation by adopting water-efficient fixtures, maintaining plumbing systems, educating tenants, and utilizing water monitoring systems. These efforts benefit the environment and improve the financial viability and attractiveness of rental properties.
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