Water shortages, unpredictable municipal supply, and the rising costs of water tankers—living in an apartment complex during the summer months can feel like a constant battle. Not only does it lead to spiraling maintenance costs, but it also sparks frustration and disputes among residents. Prioritising water conservation can play a key role in reducing these challenges and ensuring a more sustainable and peaceful living environment.

Who’s using more water?

Who’s footing the bill?

Is it fair to charge everyone the same amount, even if some are more water-conscious than others?

If you’re part of a Residents’ Welfare Association or managing an apartment complex, these questions may sound all too familiar. Here’s the good news: water conservation can actually help reduce maintenance expenses in your apartment complex, while also benefiting the environment.

In this blog, we’ll dive into how focusing on simple water-saving techniques and sustainable water management can make a big difference in your building’s overall maintenance budget—and your peace of mind. Let’s take a look at how these small changes can lead to big savings!

The Cost of Water in Apartments

Water in apartments is typically divided into three categories: freshwater, greywater, and blackwater. Each of these types presents unique opportunities for conservation and cost reduction.

• Freshwater is the water supplied from municipal systems, tankers, or borewells. This is typically the most expensive source, and its quality can fluctuate. Freshwater is used for drinking, bathing, cooking, and other everyday needs.

• Greywater refers to wastewater from sources like washing machines, kitchens, and showers. Though it contains some organic matter and detergents, it is not hazardous and can be filtered and reused for gardening or even toilet flushing. Reusing greywater helps significantly lower the demand for freshwater, reducing water bills.

• Blackwater which comes from toilets, contains human waste and requires extensive treatment. Proper treatment facilities, like sewage treatment plants, are necessary to process this water, further increasing maintenance costs if not managed effectively.

How Water Conservation Can Lower Apartment Maintenance Costs

By adopting water conservation practices and leveraging modern water technology, apartment complexes can reduce their water usage and, consequently, their maintenance costs. Here’s how:

Lower Water Bills

One of the most direct benefits of water conservation is reduced water consumption. In many apartment complexes, water is sourced from municipal supplies, supplemented by tankers or borewells. This can be expensive. By reducing water usage, buildings can save on the costs of purchasing additional water, especially during the summer when demand is high.

Water Conservation Projects

Implementing a water conservation project within an apartment complex can significantly lower both water and electricity costs. For instance, rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse systems, and water-efficient appliances help reduce dependency on freshwater sources, ultimately saving money on water procurement.

Reduced Energy Costs

Pumps are used to transport water from borewells or storage tanks to apartments. This process consumes considerable electricity, which adds to the overall maintenance costs. By reducing water usage, these pumps run less frequently, resulting in lower electricity consumption. This, in turn, lowers the building’s overall energy expenses.

Improved Equipment Longevity

Frequent use of water pumps and other equipment leads to wear and tear, resulting in costly repairs and replacements. When water consumption is reduced, these machines don’t work as hard, which can extend their lifespan and minimise maintenance needs.

Lower Treatment Costs

Many cities, especially those like Bengaluru or Chennai, require grey and black water to be treated before being released into the sewer system. Water conservation directly reduces the volume of water that needs treatment, lowering operational costs for treatment facilities and decreasing the overall maintenance expenditure for the building.

Sustainable Water Management

Sustainable water management practices, such as installing water-saving devices and monitoring systems, enable apartment complexes to track and regulate water usage effectively. This proactive approach not only reduces wastage but also ensures that water is being used efficiently, reducing costs in the long run.

Real-World Example: Success Through Water Conservation

At EarthFokus, we have seen the positive impact of water conservation projects across various apartment complexes. For example, Taisha Apartments in Chennai is a shining example of how smart water conservation can transform an entire residential community. With 605 homes, this apartment complex installed the EarthFokus Home Kit, featuring water-efficient devices for showers, kitchens, and bathroom faucets, significantly reducing daily water consumption.

• Water Savings:
• Per Home: 1,59,750 litres annually
• For the Entire Community: 9,66,48,750 litres annually

• Water Consumption Drop: From 980 litres/day to 447 litres/day per home after installation.

• Environmental Impact:

• 23 metric tons of CO2 saved
• 48,000 kWh of energy conserved
• Equivalent to planting 1,052 trees
• 8,054 tanker loads of water usage avoided
• INR 48.3 million saved overall

This water conservation project has not only reduced water and energy bills but also extended equipment life and lowered maintenance costs, proving the power of sustainable water management in apartment living.

Conclusion

In conclusion, water conservation is a powerful tool that can significantly reduce maintenance costs in apartment complexes. By adopting sustainable water management practices such as greywater recycling, rainwater harvesting, and installing water-efficient appliances, both residents and management can see immediate benefits. These strategies not only conserve a precious resource but also lead to long-term financial savings.

If you’re looking to optimise water usage and reduce your apartment complex’s maintenance costs, consider implementing a comprehensive water conservation project today.

At EarthFokus, we specialise in sustainable water management solutions designed to meet the needs of modern apartment complexes. Reach out to us for more information on how we can help you reduce water consumption and lower your maintenance expenses.