Water on Request - Restaurant water conservation

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Did you know that for every glass of water served to a restaurant guest, it takes another gallon of water just to wash the glass?

Montgomery County Commercial Water Conservation Initiative... Experts predict that in 2040, we will exceed the sustainable recharge rate of the aquifer that provides water for Montgomery County by almost 90,000 acre-feet per year -- or by just over 29 BILLION gallons! This pending shortfall is why the phased conversion to alternate sources of water (including surface water) for Montgomery County is necessary, and everyone is being asked to use our finite water resources more efficiently.

The current drought underscores the urgency of such an effort.

We’re asking for your help... The Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District (LSGCD) is encouraging local food service establishments and restaurants to SERVE WATER ON REQUEST ONLY. Not only will doing so help improve your facility’s profit margin -- especially if you also implement some other no-cost or lowcost water-saving actions -- but you will also help in the critical process of educating the public about the need to conserve this precious resource.

What makes more economic sense? Removing an untouched glass of water that has dripped all over the table and takes at least a gallon of water to wash? Or “spending” the wash water for a glass in which a purchased beverage was served?

What’s in it for you?

Sign up to particpate in the WATER ON REQUEST ONLY effort and we will supply you with FREE point-of-sale support materials* -- some that can be printed with your name or brand. These attractive items include table tents, and placemats for children to color -- all featuring strong water conservation messages.

Participating restaurants will be acknowledged on our website and in local publications. Program signage and a special recognition door decal will be provided to participating restaurants so customers will know that you are doing your part!

Name:

Phone:

E-mail:

Name of Restaurant:

Physical Address:

Web Site:

Average number of customers/day:

Serving

	Breakfast
	Lunch
	Dinner
	Special Events
	Other

How many program materials?

	Table Tents*
	Children's Place Mats*
	Drink Coasters*
	Restroom Signs*
*As long as supplies last

A Simple Water Conservation Checklist For Restaurants.

	Serve water only on request.
	Use the customer’s glass for beverage refills.
	Do not use running water to melt ice.
	Find and fix any leaks. A leaky faucet that only “dribbles” can waste thousands of gallons of water a month.
	Install water-efficient, low-flow spray rinse nozzles.
	Recycle water from steam tables to wash down cooking areas.
	Thaw frozen foods in refrigerator overnight instead of under running water.
	Wash vegetables in a container instead of under running water.
	Soak pots and pans and pre-soak utensils in a basin rather than rinsing under running water.
	Scrape food waste into trash/compost bins rather than rinsing into disposals.
	Minimize use of pre-rinse settings on dish washers; use low-flow options and turn off hot water pre-rinse to save water AND energy costs
	Wash only full racks in the dishwasher.
	Rather than burn ice from bar wells, dump buckets of ice on plants to water them overnight, avoiding daytime evaporation
	After washing rice or vegetables in basins of water, pour the water on plants throughout the restaurant