Water Management Tips for the Winter Season
Experts predict some unusual extremes in weather patterns this year, from ongoing droughts in some areas to warmer weather in the south and much colder weather in the north. The extremes of winter weather create challenges for water management, not to mention overall facility safety and costs.
Is your facility prepared for the drops in temperature with effective water management strategies? Try these winter water management best practices to mitigate cold weather risks.
The risks of winter weather
During the winter months, facility managers and business leaders face unique challenges to keep costs down and water safe. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting significant continued drought conditions over a large portion of the U.S.
“Drought conditions are now present across approximately 59% of the country, but parts of the Western U.S and southern Great Plains will continue to be the hardest hit this winter,” said Jon Gottschalck, Chief of the Operational Prediction Branch at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.
Along with drought conditions, winter weather poses several unique risks to facility and operational safety. These risks include:
Inclement weather like winter storms, wind, and precipitation, which can put power and equipment at risk.
Freezes that require added insulation and protection for water mains and pipes located in unheated or exposed sections of a building. Freezes and temperature drops can lead to burst pipes and malfunctioning heating systems.
Increased water usage, which can put people at risk if the water management system is not properly maintained.
Water contamination due to road sand and salt, which can drain into water systems and cause contamination issues.
Drought, which can cause water shortages, higher costs, and more.
Preparing your facility for winter weather
These risks require planning and preparedness for facilities and businesses alike. Water is our most precious resource, so it’s critical to protect our water supply and to continue conservation efforts during the winter months.
Here are some key ways to winterize your facility’s water system:
Clean ducts and HVAC systems. Getting your ducts inspected and cleaned is an important process to undertake each year. Filters should be replaced at the beginning of the season to proactively address any dust, debris, or mold spores. Since water is essential for an HVAC system, it’s important to verify that the system up to code, which in turn will protect your water, too.
Keep gutters clear of debris. Clogged gutters can cause water damage. Ensure gutters are cleaned and ready to drain properly before a major storm and throughout the season.
Inspect and repair any exterior issues. Assess the exterior of your facility to address any issues that could be vulnerable to winter winds and precipitation. For example, make sure you don’t have gaps, problems with windows and doors, or leaks in your roof. Doing so will keep your building insulated and safe. Check your heating system and plumbing as well to verify everything is good working order.
Prepare for a power shortage or outage. Winter storms often cause power outages, and the higher use of power for heat can cause power shortages. Be prepared with emergency lighting, backup generators, and a power-out plan.
Winterize cooling systems. If you shut off your cooling system during the winter, make sure you have them properly cleaned, drained, and maintained during the downtime. If you keep your system running, ensure it is insulated and protected from lower temperatures and freeze risk.
Prepare unheated spaces. Pay attention to any spaces in your facility that are unheated. Make sure that any pipes through these areas are well insulated, and keep an eye on them throughout the winter.
Winterizing your water systems is just one step in the process. It’s also important to conserve water. To reduce costs and minimize the chance of a water shortage, try these conservation tips for the winter:
Install irrigation sensors. This is one of the simplest ways to reduce water consumption. Smart sensors detect precipitation and prevent unnecessary irrigation.
Establish an emergency plan for freezes. Every facility should have an emergency plan to guide employees during a crisis. When it comes to water management, that plan should include instructions for shutting off water to the facility in the event of a power outage or other critical event.
Keep the temperature above 55 degrees Fahrenheit in the building. Particularly in schools or other facilities that are closed during long stretches during the winter, furnace temperatures should be kept at 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher to protect equipment and water lines. If water is not needed during this time, be sure to shut it off to prevent unnecessary costs or risks.
Upgrade to water-efficient fixtures: Winter is the perfect time to invest in a more energy-efficient upgrade. For example, installation of no-water and water-efficient fixtures can help facility leaders save significant costs.
Staying safe through the winter with smart technology
Water carries risk, of course, but with the right technology, facility teams can easily monitor and analyze key water data to help blunt the effects of unexpected weather events, freezes, droughts, and more.
Investments in smart water management are straightforward to implement and quickly pay for themselves. Integrated dashboards give you access to real-time water use data so you can make better decisions about your water. Smart sensors alert you to leaks or malfunctions immediately so you can respond swiftly. A centralized, cloud-based platform gives you full control from wherever you are.
Learn more about keeping your facility safe year-round by exploring Aquanomix’s smart water management solutions.