Water Auditing is a means of evaluating water use efficiency within a facility and identifying and prioritizing conservation opportunities

Water Auditing is a means of evaluating water use efficiency within a facility and identifying and prioritizing conservation opportunities.  The  level 1 water audit involves a walk through scoping level assessment. The standardized level 1 water audit is a tool that is intended to help promote water conservation by identifying opportunities for further investigation and for implementation of water conservation measures

The following document provides a water auditing template for the Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional  (ICI) sector.  The template provides a logical summary of the process necessary to complete a water systems analysis and prioritize  conservation opportunities.  The template is intended  for Level 1  audits (walk through assessment).   Examples of increased detail as required for level 2 and 3 audits are provided for reference.  However, detailed audits will typically require custom forms  depending on the type of facility and  water uses present.

Audit Team Skill Level:

The template assumes a certain level of experience and competency of the auditing team.  It is expected that the team will have understanding and field experience to collect the data and further expertise in order to complete the proper engineering calculations to estimate the feasibility, water savings, and costs associated with water conservation measures to be provided in a formal audit report to the client.

STEP 1: Pre-Audit Information Collection

After agreement to work with the audit client, the consulting team will gather background information on the facility including:

 - water and sewer consumption/flows & billing history

 - water and sewer rate structures

 - facility/process drawings, schematics, reference materials

 - confirm onsite contact to assist audit team during site visit

STEP 2: Initial On-site Discussion

The audit team will collect general information on the following:

 -  overview of facility activities, processes, and schedules

 -  philosophy on water management

 -  water conservation and monitoring programs

STEP 3: Water Systems Analysis

The auditing template guides the user through a systems analysis of the water systems including:

 -  domestic water uses

 -  HVAC water consumption

 -  exterior water uses

 -  process water uses

The audit template will encourage the user to draw out information on:

 - water quality requirements

 - inefficiencies and leaks

 - alternative onsite water sources

 - seasonal variations

 - opportunity for water treatment and reuse or direct reuse, need for education and behaviour-oriented conservation initiatives.

STEP 4: Annual Water Balance

With the data collected the team can generate a water balance for the facility and site quantifying all sources and releases of water and flows through various fixtures, equipment, and processes.  In addition, an analysis of the water quality required for each use will be noted.

STEP 5: Brainstorm of Water Conservation Opportunities

The audit template will lead the user to identify measures to conserve potable water use as described above.  It is expected that as these are identified they be further reviewed with the client during the site visit to draw out any