Water Efficiency Technology
A practical approach to improving water-system performance and reducing metered water and sewer costs in appropriate commercial, multifamily and institutional applications.
The Opportunity
Commercial buildings can experience significant water and sewer expenses, yet reducing those costs is not always as simple as asking occupants to use less water.
Flow characteristics, system pressure, metering conditions, building operations and the structure of the utility bill can all influence the opportunity.
RMEG approaches water efficiency by evaluating the building and its operating conditions first—then determining which improvements have the strongest practical and financial case.
For appropriate applications, Water Flow Management may be one of those opportunities.
How It Works
The Water Flow Management device is installed within the facility's incoming water system and is designed to influence flow dynamics, manage turbulence and address entrained air within the line.
Its internal geometry modifies the velocity profile of incoming flow. The technology is also designed to reduce perpendicular—or “swirl”—velocity within the pipe and uses an oscillation assembly intended to compress entrained air as water passes through the system.
Unlike an active mechanical system, the device uses the movement of water itself to operate.
RMEG evaluates building conditions, water use, system configuration and economics before determining whether Water Flow Management represents an appropriate efficiency opportunity.
The Science
Air within water pipelines is a recognized engineering condition. Independent pipeline research has documented multiple ways air can enter water systems and has examined its effects on flow behavior, pressure conditions and measurement.
Water Flow Management is designed to address flow conditions associated with turbulence and entrained air within appropriate building water systems.
The presence, magnitude and economic impact of these conditions vary by facility. For that reason, RMEG evaluates each application individually rather than assuming a standard savings result.
Technology should follow the building—not the other way around.
The Business Case
01 — Metered Water
Where system conditions make the technology appropriate, Water Flow Management may reduce recorded water consumption.
02 — Water + Sewer
Because sewer charges are frequently derived from incoming water consumption, improvements may affect both water and sewer expenses.
03 — Passive Operation
The technology uses water flow to operate rather than relying on a separate powered operating system.
04 — Return on Investment
RMEG evaluates potential utility savings against equipment and installation costs so owners can understand the business case before moving forward.
Application
Water Flow Management is installed within the building's water infrastructure, with device sizing and configuration dependent on the application and system conditions. Potential applications can include:
Installation requirements and expected performance should be evaluated for each property.
Documented Results
Water Flow Management performance varies by building, system and application. The following examples summarize results contained in historical field reports and customer documentation supplied to RMEG.
Case 01 · Multifamily / HOA
19%+
reported reduction in initial meter measurements
The condominium association subsequently reported water and sewer savings exceeding $3,000 per month and a device payback of less than two months.
The customer also reported no noticeable change in water pressure.
Pier 33 Condominiums
Mooresville, North Carolina
Case 02 · Multifamily / HOA
21.43%
reported water-bill savings over six months
A 204-home community managed by PS Property Management reported average monthly water bills declining from approximately $21,500 to $17,000 after installation.
The customer reported more than $20,000 in savings during the first six months and approximately a four-month payback on the investment.
PS Property Management
Texas
Case 03 · Commercial / Irrigation
22.73%
difference measured during the documented controlled test
A field engineering report compared a 15-minute irrigation-system test before and after installation. The report recorded, for the stated test conditions:
Duke Energy Building
Charlotte, North Carolina
Results are application-specific. Actual savings and payback vary based on water use, system conditions, application, utility rates and sewer-billing structure. Historical case results are not guarantees of future performance.
Application Experience
Historical Water Flow Management documentation includes applications across multifamily housing, education, hospitality, recreation, manufacturing, food production, commercial facilities and other high-water-use environments.
Additional supplied field documentation includes reported results from schools, YMCA facilities, apartment communities, hostels, manufacturing operations and other commercial applications.
RMEG Approach
The question isn't simply whether a technology can work. The question is whether it makes sense for your building.
01
Review facility water use, utility costs, system configuration and operating conditions.
02
Determine whether Water Flow Management or another water-efficiency strategy warrants further evaluation.
03
Evaluate potential savings, installation requirements, utility economics and projected return.
04
Where the business case supports action, coordinate implementation and evaluate performance against established conditions.
Efficiency Matters
Water efficiency starts with understanding where consumption occurs, what the utility bill is actually telling you and which improvements can produce measurable operational value.
Related Solution
Water Flow Management is one component of a broader water-efficiency strategy that can include usage analysis, system evaluation, leak identification, submetering and other conservation opportunities.
Start With the Building
RMEG can evaluate your water use, system conditions and utility economics to help determine whether Water Flow Management—or another water-efficiency strategy—warrants consideration.
