Water Usage
Water plays a crucial role in the lab, whether it's used for buffer preparation, equipment cooling, or cleaning and sterilization.
Significant water savings can be achieved by carefully managing when and how water-dependent equipment is used and by implementing simple modifications to lab sinks. Here are a few strategies on how to reduce water usage in your lab:
- Educate lab members on when purified water is necessary and when it's not.
- Install low-flow aerators on taps to reduce water usage by up to 50%.
- Explore ways to recycle water from single-pass cooling systems.
- Report leaks immediately to prevent waste.
- Run autoclaves and dishwashers only when fully loaded. Use an autoclave size suited to your needs; avoid using large units for small loads.
- Choose water-efficient equipment for your lab. Ask your lab’s equipment representative for recommendations.
- For washing dishes, use a dishwasher whenever possible. If hand washing, fill a sink or container with water and wash items in batches, using a lower water flow for rinsing.
Useful links:
Top 9 Actions to Take in the Lab to Improve Water Efficiency