Retrofitting apartment buildings to reduce costs and water demand

Abstract

Seventy to eighty percent of the water used in apartments is controllable. Such control can lead to substantial savings in water as well as in energy to heat hot water, making retrofitting of appliances with water efficient devices economically viable within a reasonable time period. Shower heads are the most rewarding to retrofit because of savings of water and fuel costs. Toilets and hot/cold fixtures for faucets in the kitchen and bathroom also provide real savings from retrofitting. However, retrofitting requires effort by the building owner, superintendent and tenants. Furthermore, since maintenance is required, retrofitting with water efficient devices must be viewed as an ongoing program in an apartment building. © 1984 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.