| Drought management | Water supply planning |
| Capacity use | Interbasin transfers |
Water Efficiency Manual revised
The efficient use of water has become a catch phrase in North Carolina since the late 1990s, as a series of droughts and chronic water shortages occurred throughout the area. Historically, most people considered North Carolina to be blessed with abundant water supplies. This proved to be far from the truth as major cities watched drinking water supplies dwindle down to only weeks of supply.
Many businesses, industries and institutions found short-term ways to operate under tight water use restrictions implemented to conserve remaining water resources. However, businesses, industries and institutions need to permanently reduce water usage due to the growing pressure on existing water supplies caused by ever-increasing demand and future potential for drought.
To assist these facilities with water conservation efforts, the N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance is releasing a revised “Water Efficiency Manual for Commercial, Industrial and Institutional Facilities.”
Included in the manual is a “Self-Assessment Checklist,” to help facility managers gauge a facility's current water efficiency performance. Chapter 3 outlines the six steps of “Conducting a Successful Water Efficiency Program.” Chapter 6, “Auditing Methodology and Tools,” includes a “Water Survey Data Sheet,” designed to assist auditors in collecting information during assessments. Chapters 4 and 5 detail water management options for facility equipment, fixtures, landscaping and processes.
The updated manual contains a new section in Chapter 4 (Water Management Options) titled “Reuse and Reclamation,” that discusses in-process water reuse. In addition, a new chapter has been added titled “Drought Contingency Planning for Facility Managers,” created in response to the state's recurring drought conditions. The manual can be found at: http://www.p2pays.org/ref/01/00692.pdf .
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