New York City’s vast watershed system that supplies drinking water to over 9 million people sees several important updates in 2024. From infrastructure projects to emerging contaminants, these developments have critical implications for commercial property managers overseeing buildings with heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. It is important for building managers and engineers to note some key aspects of NYC’s watershed changes.
Climate Change Creates Water Quality Challenges
To combat issues like increased downpours and droughts, NYC is implementing infrastructure upgrades making water supplies and reservoirs more resilient to weather changes. Heavy rainfall can overwhelm drainage and load debris into reservoirs. At the same time, droughts threaten significant water shortages.
These climate fluctuations require more vigilant monitoring of water quality and frequent adjustments of chemical treatment regimens in building water systems to maintain control. Sharp changes in pH, dissolved solids, or bacteria levels due to weather impacts must be addressed quickly.
Additionally, to manage scarce reserves during hot and dry periods, supply shifts between different reservoirs or water systems may temporarily occur more often. Anticipating and planning for such switches is vital to ensure continuous operation of building infrastructure like intake/output components and ensure adequate water balance.
Upgrading Building Water Treatment
Tighter NYC regulations focused on protecting watersheds may mandate upgrades across city properties, like backflow preventers, enhanced meters, or even different chemical treatment systems.
Additionally, the city’s expanded green infrastructure pushes sustainable water practices that buildings can incorporate such as rain gardens, green roofs, natural retention ponds and permeable pavements. Thoughtfully designed, these elements allow effective pre-treatment of rainwater on site before it enters property drainage and the building’s equipment. This both helps the city’s goal and reduces tenant operating expenses related to water management.
Educating Tenants
As part of watershed conservation efforts, NYC institutions are educating citizens on best practices to prevent pollution and wasteful usage. Simple yet impactful measures like fixing drips or switching to WaterSense fixtures cumulative effects.
Property managers already issue guidance to tenants on energy conservation or emergency protocols. Incorporating the latest water efficiency guidance creates stewardship and enables building occupants to improve sustainability. Post signage in restroom facilities, highlight water savings in newsletters, or include details on water reduction efforts in CSR reports to illustrate due diligence.
Adapting Water Management Strategies
With frequent supply shifts, regulations tightening, and increasing unpredictability anticipated, proactive building owners must continually adapt water management strategies. Partnering with specialized water treatment providers allows relying on experts to maximize system performance regardless of changing external conditions.
For businesses within the city looking to optimize their water systems, specialized assistance can be invaluable. Tower Water, having evolved from a small family-owned enterprise to a regional entity, continues to offer personalized services. Their team of knowledgeable professionals is adept at guiding and assisting in maximizing chiller performance, ensuring optimal operation during peak periods.
Specializing in comprehensive water treatment solutions, Tower Water is committed to helping businesses meet their water treatment needs through a single provider. Their approach to building long-lasting relationships is grounded in offering customized solutions tailored to address specific problem areas. To learn more, visit Tower Water online.
