7 Tips to Save Water in Apartment Building Complexes

Water bills can be hard to manage, especially in large apartment buildings. Leaks, overuse, and outdated fixtures can waste gallons every day. As a property owner or manager, this means higher costs and more stress. On top of that, many tenants do not realize how much water they use or waste until it shows up in the bills.

The good news is that you can take simple steps to fix this. Saving water does not have to be hard or expensive.

In this article, we will go over seven easy and effective ways to cut down water use in your apartment complex.

1. Do Regular Maintenance Checks

If you own or manage a property, checking your plumbing often is one of the easiest ways to avoid water waste. Small leaks might not seem like a big deal, but they can waste a lot of water over time. Pipes, faucets, toilets, and even irrigation systems should all be checked on a regular schedule.

Look for signs like dripping taps, water stains, low water pressure, or musty smells. These can be early signs of a hidden problem. Fixing them right away can help you avoid higher water bills and bigger repairs later.

Doing simple checks every few months can keep your water system in good shape and save money in the long run.

2. Educate Tenants on Water Saving Practices

Tenants play a big role in how much water your property uses. That’s why it helps to teach simple habits that can lower water use without much effort.

Start with the bathroom. Many tenants don’t know how dual flush toilets work. You can post signs or send a quick note explaining when to use the smaller flush and when to use the larger one. It also helps to remind people to flush only when needed.

Teach tenants how to cut back on toilet flushing by only flushing when needed and not using the toilet as a trash bin.

In the shower or at the sink, small changes make a big difference. Suggest turning off the tap while soaping up or brushing teeth. You can include these tips in welcome packets or post them in shared areas.

It also helps to talk about why it matters. Saving water not only lowers utility bills, but it also protects the environment. When tenants see how their actions help both their community and the planet, they’re more likely to keep up the habit.

3. Get Water-Efficient Appliances and Fixtures

One of the best ways to cut water use is by upgrading to water-efficient appliances and fixtures. These updates might cost a little upfront, but they help save water and lower bills over time.

Look for low-flow showerheads, faucets, and dual flush toilets. These use much less water without making tenants feel like they’re missing anything. For kitchens and laundry areas, choose ENERGY STAR or WaterSense-labeled appliances. These are tested to use less water while still doing the job well.

You don’t have to replace everything at once. Start with the units that use the most water or need repairs.

Over time, these upgrades can make a big difference in your property’s total water use.

4. Find Opportunities Where You Can Recycle Water

Recycling water is a smart way to cut water waste and lower costs. You don’t need a complex system to get started. There are simple ways to reuse water on your property.

For example, you can collect rainwater and use it for outdoor watering. Even water from washing machines or sinks, called greywater, can sometimes be reused for things like flushing toilets or watering plants. Just make sure to follow local rules before setting this up.

Also, talk to your maintenance team about ways to reuse water during cleaning or landscaping. Small changes like these help reduce how much fresh water your property uses each day.

5. Install Submeters and Micrometers

If you want to manage water use better, installing submeters and micrometers is a smart move.

Submeters track water use for each unit in a building. This helps you see who uses more water and gives tenants a reason to use less.

Micrometers go a step further. They measure water use at the fixture level, like sinks, showers, or toilets.

This gives you a clear view of where water is being used the most, and where it might be wasted.

When tenants see their own water use, they tend to be more careful. For you, this means better control over water bills, fewer leaks going unnoticed, and fairer billing. It's a simple upgrade that can lead to big savings.

6. Promptly Fix Leaks and Other Plumbing Issues

Fixing leaks quickly is one of the easiest ways to save water in an apartment building. A leaky faucet or running toilet can waste gallons every day. Report plumbing issues to building maintenance right away.

Even small drips add up over time. A single toilet that runs nonstop can waste hundreds of gallons in just a few days: that’s money down the drain. Make sure your maintenance team checks for leaks during regular inspections.

You can also encourage tenants to report issues as soon as they see them. Quick fixes keep your plumbing in good shape and help avoid bigger, more expensive problems later.

7. Add Landscaping Controls

Outdoor water use can be a big part of your total water bill. That’s why it helps to install smart landscaping controls. These tools water your plants only when needed, which saves water and keeps your yard healthy.

Use timers or smart irrigation systems to avoid overwatering. You can also add rain sensors that stop watering when it rains. These simple tools help you avoid waste and use water more wisely.

It’s also a good idea to water early in the morning or later in the evening. This helps minimize evaporation, so more water goes into the soil instead of drying up in the sun.

With the right controls, your landscape can stay green without using too much water.

How DrizzleX Helps You Save Water and Money

DrizzleX helps you find hidden leaks in your building. These could be running toilets or leaky faucets that you can't see right away. These small problems can waste a lot of water. DrizzleX finds them early so you can fix water leaks before your water bill goes up.

It also tells you if a tenant is using too much water. Buildings that use DrizzleX usually lower their water bills by 25 to 45 percent. Some properties save even more. Most buildings recover the full cost of the system in just nine months.

• Water usage reports - Shows where tenants use the most water so you can talk to them with real data and help them cut back.

• Leak detection - Finds silent leaks that you can’t see during inspections but show up on your water bill.

• Email alerts - Sends you a message with details about the leak, the unit, the fixture, and how much water (and money) you’re losing.

• Tenant billing - Lets you bill tenants based on their actual water use, which helps them use less and keeps billing fair.

DrizzleX helps you spot waste, bill fairly, and save money. Get a quote today and see how it can work for your building!

FAQs About How to Save Water in Apartment Building

How to manage water in an apartment?

To save water in an apartment building, fix leaks, use low-flow showerheads and faucets, and run full loads in washing machines. These simple water-saving tips help reduce water usage and lower water bills. Try turning off faucets while brushing your teeth and only flushing the toilet when needed. Small water conservation efforts lead to significant savings in the long run.

How do I turn off the water in my apartment building?

You can usually shut off the water using valves under your sink or behind your toilet tank. For a full apartment building, ask the building staff or maintenance. Acting fast helps reduce water waste and save money, especially if there's a leaky faucet or broken pipe. Quick action also cuts down on water costs and overall water volume.

How much water does an apartment building use?

Apartment buildings use thousands of gallons per day. Each person may use 80–100 gallons. Add in swimming pools, laundry, and irrigation, and water consumption grows fast. Use low flow fixtures, fix leaks, and switch to drought resistant plants to significantly reduce water usage and save money. These changes also support water conservation across apartment complexes.

How do you deal with hard water in an apartment?

Use filters and vinegar to manage hard water buildup. This keeps faucets, showers, and appliances working better. If water flow slows down or you see stains, hard water may be the cause. Ask your building manager if softeners or smart controllers can help. Treating hard water helps conserve water, reduce waste, and save in the long run.