How can you reduce water usage in interior design projects?

1 Choose low-flow faucets and showerheads

One of the easiest ways to reduce water usage in interior design projects is to choose low-flow faucets and showerheads for the bathrooms and kitchens. These fixtures can reduce the water flow rate by up to 50%, without compromising the water pressure or quality. You can also look for faucets and showerheads that have the WaterSense label, which means they meet the EPA's criteria for water efficiency and performance.

2 Select water-efficient appliances

Another way to reduce water usage in interior design projects is to select water-efficient appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and toilets. These appliances can use up to 40% less water than conventional models, and also save energy and money. You can also look for appliances that have the Energy Star label, which means they meet the EPA's standards for energy efficiency and environmental protection.

3 Install rainwater harvesting systems

A rainwater harvesting system is a system that collects, stores, and distributes rainwater for various purposes, such as flushing toilets, washing clothes, or watering plants. By installing a rainwater harvesting system in your interior design project, you can reduce the reliance on municipal water supply, and also reduce stormwater runoff and pollution. You can choose from different types of rainwater harvesting systems, such as roof catchment, surface catchment, or subsurface catchment, depending on the site conditions and the water demand.

4 Use graywater recycling systems

A graywater recycling system is a system that reuses the wastewater from sinks, showers, bathtubs, and washing machines, for non-potable purposes, such as flushing toilets, irrigating gardens, or cleaning floors. By using a graywater recycling system in your interior design project, you can reduce the amount of fresh water needed, and also reduce the amount of wastewater discharged to the sewer. You can choose from different types of graywater recycling systems, such as direct, indirect, or treatment systems, depending on the quality and quantity of the graywater.

5 Implement water-saving landscaping

Landscaping is an important aspect of interior design, as it can enhance the aesthetic, functional, and environmental value of a project. However, landscaping can also consume a lot of water, especially if it involves turf grass, exotic plants, or frequent watering. To reduce water usage in interior design projects, you can implement water-saving landscaping techniques, such as using native or drought-tolerant plants, applying mulch or compost, creating rain gardens or bioswales, or installing drip irrigation or rain sensors.

6 Educate and encourage water conservation

The last tip to reduce water usage in interior design projects is to educate and encourage water conservation among your clients and users. You can do this by providing information and guidance on how to use the water-efficient fixtures and appliances, how to maintain the rainwater harvesting and graywater recycling systems, how to care for the water-saving landscaping, and how to adopt water-saving habits and behaviors. You can also use signage, labels, or stickers to remind and motivate people to save water.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?