How Businesses Can Help Conserve Water During a Drought Watch

The ACSA has declared a drought watch and is encouraging local businesses to adopt simple water conservation practices. Businesses throughout our community have an opportunity to help protect our local water supply and reduce the need for mandatory restrictions.

These business water conservation tips can help reduce water use, demonstrate environmental stewardship, and encourage employees and customers to do their part. To make conservation even easier, the ACSA has created free downloadable resources, including conservation tip sheets, table tents and workplace notices.

Business Water Conservation Tips That Make a Difference

Every business uses water differently, but nearly every workplace has opportunities to conserve it. Whether you manage an office, restaurant, retail store, commercial property, or fleet, small operational improvements can reduce water use without disrupting day-to-day operations. No single business can solve a drought, but small changes across our business community can make a meaningful difference.

Start with Everyday Operations

Many of the biggest water savings come from routine maintenance and simple operational changes. Repairing leaks, shutting off water to unused areas, sweeping instead of hosing paved surfaces, monitoring water meters, and installing automatic shut-off valves can all help reduce unnecessary water use. These improvements often conserve water while reducing operating costs.

Look Outside

Outdoor water use often increases during the summer months. Watering landscapes during the early morning or evening, checking irrigation systems for leaks, planting drought-tolerant landscaping, and collecting rainwater where appropriate are all simple ways businesses can conserve water while maintaining attractive outdoor spaces.

Industry Examples

Every industry has opportunities to conserve water. Here are just a few examples:

Restaurants & Food Service

• Serve water only upon request.
• Scrape dishes instead of pre-rinsing.
• Thaw food in the refrigerator or microwave.
• Use air-cooled or flake ice machines.

Vehicle Washing

• Wash vehicles only when necessary, and use ACSA-certified car washes.
• Install water recycling equipment.
• Use high-pressure washing systems.

Laundry Facilities

• Wash full loads only.
• Recycle final rinse water when possible.
• Install high-efficiency fixtures.

Lead by Example

Businesses don’t just conserve water. They influence others to do the same. Displaying reminders in customer areas and employee spaces reinforces that conservation is a community effort. Small visual reminders encourage everyday actions that, multiplied across hundreds of businesses and thousands of customers, make a meaningful impact.

The ACSA makes it easy to get started with free downloadable resources, including:

• Water Conservation Tips for Businesses
• Drought Watch table tents
• Employee and customer notices

Visit the drought watch landing page to download these resources and explore additional information to help your business conserve water during the current drought watch.