MIL-HDBK-1165
5.2.5
Chilled Drinking Fountains and Ice Machines. Chilled
drinking fountains and ice machines are not currently covered
under Federal regulations, therefore there are no specific
conventional versus water-efficient comparisons to be made.
However, with proper maintenance you can realize both energy and
water savings for these units, whether stand-alone or centrally
controlled systems. You might also choose to replace older units
with newer, more energy efficient models.
5.2.5.1
Replacements. Water-cooled ice makers can be replaced
by air-cooled condenser units. Air-cooled condensers do not
require water for cooling. Also, consider replacing a cube
machine with an ice flake machine. Machines that flake the ice
instead of cube it do not need bleed-off water to carry away
visual contaminants from the cubes.
5.2.6
Washing Machines
5.2.6.1
Conventional and Water-Efficient. Current washing
machines in family housing units are primarily top-loading,
vertical-axis machines that use from 35-50 gallons per load (gpl)
(130-195 liters per load (lpl)). Laundromat type washers are
front-loading, horizontal-axis machines. These commercial style
washers typically use only 25-30 gpl (95-115 lpl), due to the
fact that they tumble the clothes on a horizontal axis enabling
them to use less water. A third type of washer is a top-loading,
horizontal-axis machine that combines the convenience of the top
loader while only utilizing around 15 gpl (58 lpl).
5.2.6.2
Operation and Maintenance Procedures. For existing
washing machines, the following suggestions will aid in
conserving water:
a)
Locate and repair leaks.
b)
Encourage users to wash only full loads.
c) If water level is able to be set by the user,
encourage using only as much water as needed for that load.
5.2.6.3
Retrofits. The only retrofit which can be applied to
washing machines is a rinse-water recycling system. Generally,
this will only be applied to base laundromats and industrial
laundries, rather than residential homes.
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