Clean water is essential to keep a thriving community thriving. While it may seem that our supply of fresh water is unlimited, only 1 percent of water on Earth is available for use by people. Managing water is a growing concern across the United States, and it is a resource we don't want to waste here in Indianapolis. Residents and businesses alike have a large role to play in conserving and protecting Indianapolis' drinking water.
Get Started
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Install faucet aerators and high efficiency shower heads.
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Install ultra-low flow toilets, or adjust flush valves or install dams on existing toilets.
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As appliances and equipment wear out, replace them with water-saving models.
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Regularly check for and repair all leaks.
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Sweep paved areas to clean them, rather than hosing them off.
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Use captured rainwater for irrigation or other appropriate uses, and repair all leaks in irrigation systems.
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Water the lawn or garden during the coolest part of the day (early morning is best), and don't water on windy days.
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Install moisture sensors on sprinkler systems, and set them to water the lawn or garden only—not the street or sidewalk. If possible, use soaker hoses and trickle irrigation systems.
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Use native plants in your landscape—they require less water.
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Use mulch around shrubs and garden plants to keep the soil from drying out.
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Eliminate or minimize the use of fertilizer.
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Have a professional perform a water use assessment and implement recommendations.
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Increase employee awareness: put up signs in the kitchen and bathroom reminding employees to reduce water use; track and report water use to employees; notify vendors (especially landscapers, laundry service) that water conservation is important to your business.
Local Resources and Organizations
This website provides valuable information on Indianapolis' drinking water, including local water conservation, leak detection and lawn watering tips.
Indianapolis Clean Stream Team: Business Resources
The Indianapolis Clean Stream website details how your business can do its part to help improve and maintain the quality of Indianapolis' waterways, including using safer pest management and fertilizer use and good storm water management practices such as raingardens.
Low-water landscaping: Xeriscaping in Indiana fact sheet
Prepared by Mary Welch-Keesley of the Indianapolis Zoo's White River Gardens, this fact sheet can get you started landscaping with plants that require little to no watering.
Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society (INPAWS)
INPAWS provides information and resources on landscaping and gardening with plants native to Indiana. Native plants require less irrigation and are better for our local environment.
Other Resources and Organizations
Developed by the Long Beach Water Department, this easy to use guide outlines a 10-step approach for developing an effective water conservation strategy for your business.
American Waterworks Association
An excellent resource for water conservation tips.
GreenBiz Essential: Water Conservation
A concise and comprehensive overview by GreenBiz on the issue of water conservation for business.
EPA
- EPA WaterSense Program
A partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, WaterSense makes it easy for Americans to save water. Look for the WaterSense label to choose quality, water-efficient products, and go to the website for a wide range of resources for business including a water savings calculator and rebate finder.
The Our Water Our World website was developed to assist consumers in managing home and garden pests using less-toxic methods that help protect the environment and local water quality.
