For property managers, saving water means saving money. With two programs offered this month by the Regional Water Providers Consortium (RWPC)—free indoor water savings kits for RWPC customers, and a March 13 workshop on waterwise irrigation geared specifically for industry professionals—March is the perfect time to focus on water conservation.

“There are a variety of quick, easy and low-cost ways that landlords and property managers can realize significant water savings, both indoors and outdoors,” said Lindsey Berman, Conservation Program Manager for the RWPC. “Conserving water makes economic sense, environmental sense, and helps our region meet our long-term water supply needs.”
The RWPC recommends several simple steps for property managers to save water and money.
First, install high-efficiency kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators and save up to 40 percent of the water used by faucets.
Second, install high efficiency showerheads to save up to 40 percent of the water used by showers.
And third, replace older toilets with high-efficiency models to save up to 63 percent of the water used by toilets. The RWPC advises looking for WaterSense labeled toilets, which must meet rigorous performance criteria and are third-party tested and certified.
Property managers should also regularly check for and repair leaks. Even small leaks can waste hundreds to thousands of gallons of water a month.
Another innovative way to reduce water use is to sub-meter tenants’ water. Connecting and tracking tenant’s individual water use can result in significant reductions in overall water use in multi-family properties.

Waterwise Irrigation
Water use and water-related costs can double or triple during the summer months due to outdoor watering. Adjusting the amount of water that property landscapes receive and performing regular maintenance of irrigation systems can reduce outdoor water use by about 30 percent.
On March 13, the RWPC will host a free “Waterwise Irrigation: Trends and Technologies” workshop for landscape professionals, property managers and irrigation professionals. In addition to highlighting the latest water-efficient irrigation techniques and technologies, the workshop will include tips for educating and managing client expectations, and an overview of regional water sources and rates. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn from local case studies.
The workshop will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Tualatin Valley Water District, 1850 SW 170th Avenue, Beaverton. Registration is required and information is available online at http://www.conserveh2o.org/news/calendar

Free Indoor Water Savings Kits
Through the end of March (while supplies last), RWPC is also offering indoor water savings kits free-of-cost to any customers served by the Consortium’s water provider members.
The kit contains: a high-efficiency bathroom faucet aerator, high-efficiency kitchen faucet aerator, high efficiency shower head, shower timer, toilet leak-detection dye tablets, a toilet fill-cycle diverter, and a Water Conservation Guide for Property Managers brochure. The devices are easy to use and come with clear installation instructions. 
Once installed, the kit could save the average four person household more than 24,000 gallons of water and about $140 in water and sewer costs annually. 
Readers can get the kit by sending an e-mail to RWPCinfo@portlandoregon.gov (including their mailing address and water provider name) or by calling 503-823-7528. Anyone who receives their water service from an RWPC member is eligible for a free kit (while supplies last). To make sure they qualify, readers can view the full list of RWPC providers online at http://www.conserveh2o.org/members.  The kits are available one per property. Readers may be able to get additional devices, resources or rebates through their local water provider.
About the RWPC
The RWPC is a consortium of 23 local water providers plus the regional government Metro. They provide resources and information to individual and commercial customers, including the Water Conservation Guide for MultiFamily Property Managers, available for download on the Consortium website at http://www.conserveh2o.org/sites/default/files/resources/rwpc_resources/...