When we think of going green, we usually think of the obvious: energy usage. However, reducing water consumption is also an essential part of reducing your theater’s environmental footprint.

In many areas of the United States — particularly in the Southwest, but increasingly in the Southeast as well — water supplies are at extremely low levels. Climate change is predicted to decrease the level of rainfall in these areas. As temperatures increase, the snowpack available in mountain ranges to provide water during spring and summer melts will not be as plentiful as it has been in past centuries. And as population continues to grow, demands on depleted reservoirs and aquifers will increase, leading to increased rationing, water rates, and conflict between states and water districts.

However, water conservation is important in all areas of the country. Large amounts of tax dollars go to pumping, filtering, and cleaning municipal water supplies. Even in New York City, with some of the cleanest and most abundant water supplies in the nation, authorities regularly emphasize the importance of conserving water.

Per capita water consumption in the U.S. has decreased substantially over the past decades, due in part to stricter federal and state regulations. However, water consumption is still at very high levels. The average American consumes approximately 159 gallons a day, while most of the world’s population gets by on only 25 gallons per person.

Reducing water usage can save your theater money in two ways: firstly, by reducing your water bill; secondly, by reducing the amount of hot water you consume, thereby reducing the amount of energy required to heat it.

Several simple, inexpensive low-flow fixtures can do much to reduce the amount of water you use.

• Install low-flow aerators on all bathroom faucets, and possibly on kitchen faucets.  Most faucets run at a rate of over 2 gallons per minute (gpm).  Low-flow aerators for bathroom faucets can reduce this to as little as .5 gpm, with no noticeable difference.  Aerators in kitchens are available as well, but can sometimes lead to complaints about not being able to fill pitchers and glasses quickly enough.
• Install low-flow showerheads.  The average showerhead uses quite a bit more water than necessary.  Low-flow showerheads can reduce this to a rate of 1 to 2 gpm.  However, you should shop around carefully; some low-flow models are far better than others.
• In all toilets with a tank in back, install a toilet tank bank.  These displace .8 gallons per flush, generally with no noticeable difference in performance.  Also consider installing a toilet fill cycle diverter, which can save another .5 gallons per flush