Audit Methodology

Chapter 6: Water Efficiency Program Implementation

6.1 Introduction

Major elements that may be considered in the implementation plan include

1. selection of a water efficiency program management and staff
2. establishment of a schedule of implementation
3. development of a user education program
4. implemention of programs
5. assessment of program effectiveness
6. update of program elements, if necessary

6.2 Program management and staff

A dedicated and efficient staff organization, working as a team, is required for the implementation of a successful water conservation program at any facility. Lines of responsibility for developing an implementation schedule and coordinating required activities need to be established. Assessing the program's success and updating the program, if necessary, may also be the responsibility of this team. The ability to delegate authority to specific activities is considered to be a key element in ensuring the program's success.

6.3 Implementation schedule

The water efficiency program management and staff may have to develop a schedule for implementing water reduction measures. This may include all components of the water efficiency program, including education program, installation, and follow-up activities, based on

• the goals for water savings
• the available and projected budget for the current and future years
• the staffing available for education and assessment activities

6.4 User education

It is vital to any long-term water efficiency program that the water users know why it is important that they use their water wisely. This education has two primary purposes:

• to encourage the users to follow reduction program procedures
• to facilitate the users' acceptance of water reduction measures implemented by management

Key elements of an effective education program may include

1. a theme, representing the water efficiency program
2. an education coordinator to coordinate the distribution of educational materials and the educational programs
3. educational materials, such as in-house newsletters, water reduction guides, posters, to communicate the goals and encourage user participation
4. an education plan, including communication methods and a schedule of implementation and follow-up
5. follow-up of the educational program, especially if user habit or attitude changes are required as part of the water efficiency plan of the facility. The follow-up will either encourage user participation or inform the educator whether the education program is inadequate or too infrequent
6. modification of the water efficiency program where the education program has not accomplished the expected user involvement

6.5 Program assessment

Routine progress assessment of water savings may reveal the areas where measures are successful or ineffective. It would also indicate where modifications to the program may be required.

Modifications may be carried out and evaluated by the program management and staff of the facility based on

• examination of the main meter records as well as the various internal meter records to determine overall water savings and water savings in individual sub-areas
• surveys of user participation and attitude
• acceptance by facility management
• reports from the education coordinator

Program effectiveness reports should be submitted routinely to the facility management and in turn to the users to encourage further participation.

6.6 Update of program elements

The routine assessment of the program will help to identify which measures are not effective and could potentially be replaced or modified.

Replacement measures should be thoroughly evaluated, by impact analysis and cost-benefit analysis, prior to implementation.

Table of Contents  Previous  Next