MIL-HDBK-1165
Meters and Appurtenances at New Army Facilities." This
information will prove helpful once the decision to install a
meter has been reached. But, with the current costs associated
with installing, and then consistently reading water meters, many
activities have decided against the installation of meters.
Studies have shown that water usage is reduced once
meters are installed. Call it a phenomenon of "big brother
watching" or whatever, but once occupants know how much water
they use and can be shown how much they use, their incentive to
conserve water increases. Studies conducted from 1955 to 1975
showed reductions ranging from 13 percent to 45 percent after the
installation of meters. Further studies in Denver from 1980 -
1982 revealed a 20 percent reduction in water usage between
metered and unmetered houses within the same subdivisions.
These results were achieved in the private sector with
paying customers. It is doubtful that meters alone will reduce
water usage, but if you can attach a bill to the measured water,
then these results may be achieved. Therefore, unless you have
paying customers (tenant commands, contractors, etc.) meters may
not prove to be beneficial. Metering every housing unit for
example, would be extremely expensive and would probably achieve
no reduction in water usage. However, if you were to meter a
paying tenant command who currently is using 30 percent of your
total water supply, then reductions could be realized.
4.5
Pressure Reduction. Water savings can be obtained
through water pressure reduction. Your water system should be
operating at around 50-60 pounds per square inch (psi) (345-414
kiloPascals (kPa)). If your pressure is much higher, then
reducing water pressure may create savings.
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