Conservation for Businesses
Our water is a finite resource and needs to be used wisely. Industrial, commercial, and institutional water can have a significant effect on our water demands. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) recognizes that businesses and industries rely on the County's water resources and encourages them to conserve.
Developing a water efficiency program is a good way for businesses to get started. By developing a water efficiency program, businesses can reduce cost and increase profitability through savings on water, energy, and wastewater treatment.
DWR encourages water efficiency efforts such as commercial water audits, water efficiency assessments, and training for industries, commercial businesses, and institutions. Check out the U.S. EPA WaterSense at Work page for more information.
DWR also manages several programs to assist businesses with water conservation, such as a toilet rebate program for multi-family properties, a pre-rinse spray valve replacement program for restaurants, and an onsite water efficiency evaluation. For information on any of these programs, please call 678.376.6722 or email dwrconserve@gwinnettcounty.com.
Conservation Measures for New Development
To ensure that all new commercial buildings are built using water efficient plumbing fixtures, Gwinnett County has adopted the plumbing standards created by the 2010 Georgia Water Stewardship Act. The Water Stewardship Act calls on state agencies to amend the state plumbing code to require that high-efficiency fixtures be installed in all new construction granted a building permit after July 1, 2012. The new high-efficiency standards will also apply when purchasing fixtures for retrofit or renovation of existing properties.
These standards tell builders and owners what type of plumbing fixtures they can place into new construction and how much water the new fixtures can use. Below is a table that lists the current maximum water use rates and consumption standards for new construction. Added to the table are the average water usages before the current plumbing codes went into effect.
Gwinnett County has partnered with the EPA WaterSense Program to promote water efficiency products in our community and spread the need for smart water use. We encourage our customers to look for the WaterSense label when buying plumbing fixtures.
Water Use Rates for Plumbing Fixtures
| Plumbing Fixture | 2010 Georgia Water Stewardship Act | 1992 National Energy Policy Act | Average Use Rate Before Adoption of Plumbing Codes* |
| Toilet | 1.28 gallons per flush | 1.6 gallons per flush | 5.0 gallons per flush |
| Commercial Toilet | 1.28 gallons per flush | 1.6 gallons per flush | 8.0 gallons per flush |
| Urinal | 0.5 gallons per flush | 1.0 gallon per flush | 2.5 gallons per flush |
| Shower Head | 2.5 gallons per minute | 2.5 gallons per minute | 4.5 gallons per minute |
| Bathroom Faucet | 1.5 gallons per minute | 2.2 gallons per minute | 4.0 gallons per minute |
| Kitchen Faucet | 2.0 gallons per minute | 2.2 gallons per minute | 4.0 gallons per minute |
* Source: Environmental Protection Agency
