Water-efficient businesses help protect our creeks and rivers. Boulder County’s St. Vrain Creek Watershed gets heavy use. Sadly, 23 of its segments are at risk and they could fail to meet water quality standards. This is why PACE is passionate about helping businesses use less water.
PACE’s water conservation service works behind the scenes. It helps you save money on water, wastewater, and energy bills.
Our advisors can help you:
- Get a free water assessment for your business
- Find ways to save water and use it more efficiently
- Find quick upgrades, like low-flow fixtures or nighttime watering
- Get employees involved in saving water
- Connect with helpful tools and incentives
- Discover simple water conservation actions your Boulder County business can take at no cost
Simple Actions
There are many simple, low-cost ways you can conserve water at your business. Read below for some ideas and reach out to an advisor at 303-786-7223 or info@PACEpartners.com if you have any questions.
- Schedule a free PACE water assessment.
- Upgrade toilets, urinals and showerheads to WaterSense models.
- Upgrade to high efficiency aerators in kitchen and restroom faucets.
- Upgrade dishwashers and ice machines to ENERGY STAR models.
- Conduct regular visual inspections of fixtures and look and listen for leaks.
- Reduce water used for irrigation – visit Resource Central and sign up for a free assessment of your existing sprinkler system.
How PACE can help
Hand Washing Sink Aerators
You can get free, high-efficiency aerators for hand washing sinks. Your advisor will install them for you. Regular aerators use 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm). New aerators use just 0.5 gpm. Aerators spread water into multiple streams, like a showerhead, and are a quick and easy upgrade!
Kitchen Sink Aerators
Your advisor can also install free, high-efficiency aerators on kitchen sinks. Regular kitchen sink aerators use 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm). We can help you upgrade to a 1.5 gpm model. This will allow you to you use less water without losing water pressure.
Pre-Rinse Spray Valves
Ask your advisor about free, high-efficiency pre-rinse spray valves for commercial dish washing. Your advisor will come to your business and measure your current equipment’s flow rate. In most cases, they can install the new valve on the spot. According to the EPA, your business can save more than $115 a year on energy and water costs when you switch to a WaterSense-labeled valve. These valves are tested for spray force and durability. Testing confirms they perform as well as regular valves in a commercial kitchen.
Outdoor Irrigation Evaluations
Slow the Flow offers a quick way to check the irrigation at your commercial property or HOA. They’ll suggest simple changes to reduce waste and stop runoff. Trained technicians will test your sprinkler system. Then you’ll get a full report with their findings and suggestions.
These suggestions can lower your water. This will save you money and support water conservation across the community. This free service is available through partnerships with more than two dozen water utilities across Colorado’s Front Range.
Check your eligibility to see if you qualify for a Slow the Flow Outdoor Inspection. Call 303-999-3824 with any questions.
Dishwashers and Ice Machines
PACE offers rebates for water and energy efficient appliances. This includes dishwashers and ice machines. Some rules may apply. Contact your advisor to learn more.
Keep it Clean Partnership
Your business can help protect our watershed! Everyday tasks like deliveries and cleaning can pollute stormwater runoff. This can add toxic chemicals, nutrients, and trash to our streams. Keep it Clean Partnership (KICP) brings local groups together to build resources. Their goal is to cut stormwater pollution in the Boulder Creek and St. Vrain Creek watersheds.
Visit the KICP website to:
- Learn about water quality rules that affect your business.
- Find info about water quality issues.
- Get free stormwater protection resources to post at your business.
- Explore other resources to help keep our waterways clean.
EPA Resources
Each type of building has its own water conservation challenges, so the EPA provides guidance based on facility type. They also have a Lean & Water Toolkit to help businesses align water conservation goals with lean initiatives and business best practices.
Other EPA Resources:
- EPA’s WaterSense Program – Online resource for saving water, including industry-specific practices, a water savings calculator, and case studies
- EPA’s WaterSense Best Management Practices – For commercial and institutional facilities
- CEE’s Ice Maker Guidelines – High-efficiency specifications for commercial ice makers
