WATER EFFICIENCY
KEY FACTS & TERMS
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On average, a restaurant uses 300,000 gallons of water every year.
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Only 3% of water on Earth is fresh water.
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By serving water upon request only, you could save up to 2 gallons of water per glass (due to unused water and dishwashing)
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Gallons per minute (GPM): Also known as a "flow rate", this is the calculation to determine the efficiency of spray valves, aerators, etc.
WATER CONSERVATION TIP
Install high efficiency pre-rinse spray valves and low flow aerators.
Instead of using a regular pre-rinse sprayer for your dishwashing, install one that is high efficiency. The GRA recommends pre-rinse sprayers with a flow rate of ≤ 0.45 gallons per wash (GPW). Installing one pre-rinse sprayer could save you $75 per year.
Install low flow aerators on your hand and non-fill prep sinks. The GRA recommends low flow aerators with a flow rate of ≤ 1.5 GPM. Each aerator could save you $500 per year!
WHERE IS WATER USED IN RESTAURANTS?
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Serve water upon request only
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Install high-efficiency pre-rinse spray valves and low flow aerators
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Purchase water-efficient equipment
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Find Certified Green Products Here
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Check out our Water Standards to learn more
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Dine at a Certified Green Restaurant®
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Encourage your favorite restaurant to become a Certified Green Restaurant®
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If you don’t want water, tell the wait staff when you are seated
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Choose a vegetarian or vegan menu item, which requires less water to produce than meat