Collecting the Drops: A Water Sustainability Planner

Introduction

You can view Case Examples of a specific sector by clicking on the appropriate quadrant
or continue through each module using the main menu.

Collecting the Drops: A Water Sustainability Planner is segregated into three modules that guide a facility user through the process of assessing the:

Facility’s relationship to water on a local and regional basis
Identification of specific challenges and opportunities
Identification of public, community and social considerations that could be taken into account

The facility user can then develop a strategic water management program from which the facility can address risks and move forward with opportunities identified.

This tool provides a process by which a facility user, regardless of location, can assess the specific situation with regard to water resources. It provides a list of considerations that need to be taken into account to assess specific water uses/needs, impacts on the existing available resources and the resulting opportunities and risks. The modules/programs assist the facility user in assessing the many circumstances that can affect the:

Adequacy and quality of the supply
Impact of the facility on the local water supply and water quality
Need for communication to increase awareness and community involvement to manage water resources wisely

Module 1 – Facility Water Use and Impact Assessment Program

This module is the first step in identifying overall facility water uses and impacts posed by the operations. It includes guidance for preparing a facility water block flow diagram and a Water Balance Program. Together, these elements will assist the user in developing data and generating an understanding of the facility’s usage of water, the water losses and final wastewater discharge. This information can be entered into the Water Balance Program that calculates percent closure of the balance and the remaining volume of water unaccounted for. It also provides guidance for acceptable margins of error based on percentage versus average volume of water used. In addition, this information will be required to answer water-related risk questions in Module 2. Several links to information are included for easy reference, such as water engineering calculations and “rules of thumb” as examples.

Module 2 – Water Management Risk Assessment Questionnaire

This module is a web-based interactive program in the form of a Water Management Risk Assessment Questionnaire that requires input of facility water considerations and input for levels of risk. The water-related risk questions are organized and presented in six risk categories. It generates a table of risks in descending order that the facility user has indicated based on the responses. It is important to note that opportunities are frequently derived from risks that have been identified during this process. Several case examples of methods to mitigate risk and implement opportunities are provided through links in this module.

Module 3 – Case Examples and Reference Links

This module is a reference program that helps the facility user identify case examples and links to reference information that could be applied in specific operations to use water more efficiently, to reduce water use and to promote conservation. Reference information has been included for the purpose of providing examples of operational methods to efficiently utilize water, to engage stakeholders and promote sustainability of water resources. Links to case examples are provided throughout the program to assist the facility user with the identification of methods that can be employed to manage water resources. The facility user is also encouraged to review definitions and information included in the References Tab for the purpose of understanding the terms utilized throughout this document.

Go to >> Module 1