The number of people in the U.S. has doubled over the past half-century, and our water consumption has grown even more. At least 40 states are expected to have shortages by 2024, so it’s essential that we conserve water now. The EPA works hard to use water management best practices at all its buildings across the nation.
The EPA uses two types of facilities: offices and laboratories. The majority of office water use is dominated by plumbing, heating/cooling, and irrigation requirements. The EPA has installed high-efficiency plumbing fixtures and eliminated irrigation to reduce water usage.
Water is utilized in laboratories for laboratory procedures, water purification, and steam sterilization. Laboratories also generate a lot of heat, therefore a large quantity of water is required as cooling tower makeup. The EPA has concentrated its efforts on reducing water usage in laboratories.
