What’s Draining Your Water Bill? 5 Common Mistakes Commercial Property Owners Make
Water costs can eat into your net operating income faster than you think. Yet for many multifamily and commercial property owners, water waste goes unnoticed because it's buried in aggregated bills or accepted as the cost of doing business.
Mistake #1: Outdated Fixtures That Bleed Money
Still using old toilets, showerheads, or faucets? You could be wasting thousands of gallons per unit, per year. A single pre-1994 toilet uses up to 6 gallons per flush versus 1.28 gallons for high-efficiency models.
Pro Tip: Retrofit entire properties in phases, starting with units that turn over. You’ll realize ROI faster without straining your budget.
Mistake #2: Undetected Leaks That Compound Costs
A leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons a day. Leaky irrigation lines or underground pipes can waste even more, without triggering alarms until the bill arrives.
Solution: Invest in smart leak detection sensors, especially in boiler rooms, basements, and irrigation zones. Pair that with monthly usage reviews.
Mistake #3: No Tenant Submetering
When water is bundled into rent, usage skyrockets. Submetering shifts awareness and cost accountability back to tenants, who typically reduce usage by 15–30%.
Bonus: Properties with submetering often qualify for better financing terms due to improved utility cost controls.
Mistake #4: Inefficient Landscaping and Irrigation
Overwatering doesn’t just waste money—it can damage property. Fixed-timer systems are outdated and unreliable.
Upgrade Tip: Smart irrigation controllers adjust for season, weather, and zone type and often come with rebates.
Mistake #5: No Utility Audits or Benchmarking
Without an audit, you’re flying blind. A water audit can identify mechanical issues, hidden leaks, billing errors, and opportunities for savings.
Water costs are controllable with the right systems and data in place. At KGL Utilities, we specialize in uncovering and correcting the inefficiencies that chip away at your NOI.