Water systems are critical to healthcare operations, but they also present significant challenges that affect energy use, infrastructure, and equipment performance. Issues like sediment buildup, biofilm formation, and poor system balance can drive up costs, waste energy, and compromise long-term sustainability. By addressing these challenges proactively, hospitals can improve efficiency, reduce expenses, and extend the lifespan of essential systems and equipment.
Reducing energy waste
Healthcare facilities rank among the most energy-intensive building types, with roughly 42.3% of their energy usage tied to reheating processes. Inefficient water systems—whether due to sediment buildup, poor insulation, or imbalanced flow—force pumps, boilers, and reheaters to work overtime. This increased workload leads to higher operating costs and strains organizational efforts to meet sustainability targets.
By focusing on improvements in water quality and system design, hospitals can reduce energy consumption, cut costs, and extend the life of vital equipment. Key strategies include:
- Sediment filtration: Removes particles that restrict water flow and force systems to overwork.
- Smart sensors: Real-time tracking of water quality and system performance allows for early detection of inefficiencies and targeted interventions that lower energy usage.
- Water efficiency: Superheating water to 160°F to kill Legionella, then cooling it with cold water to prevent scalding, wastes energy and can compromise water quality by introducing untreated or contaminated water into the system. Advanced treatment technologies enable effective Legionella control at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption while ensuring safety and system efficiency.
- Case study: A Midwest academic hospital collaborated with LiquiTech to implement a water treatment solution that enabled them to lower their hot water heater temperatures from 160°F to 125°F, resulting in a 33% reduction in energy usage and a 24% decrease in carbon emissions.
Implementing sustainable water treatment technologies
Advanced technologies that reduce contaminants and pathogens in building water improve safety, extend the lifespan of plumbing systems, and reduce the frequency of repairs, which helps conserve resources and reduce waste.
- Sediment filtration: Sediment buildup in water systems can lead to significant infrastructure damage, reducing efficiency and requiring frequent maintenance. By using filtration systems that remove sediment from the water supply, businesses can avoid costly repairs and reduce water waste. These systems also protect water pipes and valves, extending the life of plumbing infrastructure and supporting long-term sustainability efforts.
- UV disinfection: UV disinfection is a chemical-free method of ensuring water quality by killing harmful microorganisms. By using UV light to disinfect water without the need for harsh chemicals, organizations can reduce their reliance on hazardous substances and prevent harmful byproducts, making it a cleaner, more sustainable solution for water treatment.
- Copper-silver ionization: This innovative technology provides long-term protection against waterborne pathogens, such as Legionella, while being non-corrosive to plumbing systems and free of harmful byproducts. By penetrating and breaking down biofilm, it prevents clogs that can reduce the efficiency of pipes and equipment. As a sustainable solution, it ensures water safety while maintaining system performance and minimizing maintenance demands.
Leveraging smart monitoring technologies
Real-time monitoring tools have revolutionized water management strategies in healthcare. Smart sensors and remote monitoring technologies allow facilities to proactively identify and address inefficiencies, reduce waste, and maintain optimal conditions for patient care.
- Early detection of issues: Real-time monitoring of water quality, temperature, and flow can identify problems such as leaks, energy inefficiencies, or waterborne pathogen risks before they escalate. By addressing these issues proactively, organizations can prevent water waste, reduce repair costs, and minimize the environmental impact of system disruptions.
- Data-driven decision-making: Data collected from water systems can be analyzed to identify trends, pinpoint inefficiencies, and guide improvements. This data can be used to optimize water usage, enhance efficiency, and reduce overall energy consumption.
Protecting water infrastructure for long-term sustainability
Protecting the longevity of plumbing systems and water-bearing equipment is an often overlooked aspect of water management that significantly impacts sustainability. By preventing damage caused by sediment, corrosion, and scale, businesses can reduce the need for frequent repairs and replacements, lowering waste and extending the lifespan of their infrastructure.
- Infrastructure longevity: Preventing sediment and biofilm buildup and corrosion helps ensure that pipes, valves, and other components remain in good working order for longer.
- Lower maintenance costs: By improving water quality and mitigating damage from sediment, corrosion, and scale, businesses can avoid unplanned shutdowns and emergency repairs, reducing costs and minimizing operational disruptions.
Supporting broader sustainability initiatives
Water management is essential for organizations aiming to meet their broader sustainability objectives. Enhancing the efficiency of water infrastructure, reducing energy consumption, and adopting environmentally friendly water treatment technologies align with environmental, social, and governance goals. By leveraging advanced technologies and real-time monitoring, businesses can optimize water use, cut energy costs, conserve resources, and reduce carbon footprints, driving meaningful progress toward a sustainable future.
- Meeting environmental goals: Water treatment solutions that conserve water and reduce energy consumption help businesses achieve their sustainability goals. Whether through improved water efficiency, energy savings, or the reduction of waste and harmful chemical use, these strategies support a more sustainable future for businesses and the planet.
- Cost savings and sustainability benefits: The financial benefits of sustainable water treatment are significant. Reduced water waste, lower energy consumption, and fewer equipment failures can lead to substantial savings over time. These cost reductions can be reinvested into further sustainability initiatives, creating a cycle of continuous improvement and innovation.
Ready to get started? Contact LiquiTech today for a water management analysis to see how you can take your sustainability efforts to the next level.
