Best Management Practices for Commercial and Institutional Water Users
The following guidebook for Commercial & Institutional BMPs is currently under review by TWDB:
Commercial use is defined as the use of water by a place of business, such as retail sales establishments, a hotel, restaurant, or office building. This does not include multi-family residences or agricultural, or industrial users.
Institutional use is defined as the use of water by an establishment dedicated to public service, such as a school, university, church, hospital, nursing home, park, prison, or government facility. All facilities dedicated to public service are considered institutional regardless of ownership.
Water consumption by commercial and institutional facilities varies, but typically use water in the following six areas, as applicable: restrooms, laundries, cooling and heating, landscapes, recreation, and kitchens. To conserve water efficiently, facilities should develop a water management plan.
Important Topics
Since June 2016, all new construction of state buildings and institutions of higher education facilities will be required to abide by the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) water efficiency standards as directed by the 77th Texas Legislative session.
- Link to Report:Water Conservation Design Standards: For State Buildings and Institutions of Higher Education Facilities
- Financial assistance: Texas LoanSTAR (Saving Taxes and Resources) Revolving Loan finances energy-related, cost-reduced retrofits of facilities supported by the state, including public school districts and public colleges and universities, as well as units of local government such as counties, cities, towns, public hospital taxing districts or political subdivisions
To quantify the effectiveness of water conservation techniques of your water management plan, refer to TWDB's guidance portfolio.
- Link to the Portfolio:Quantifying the Effectiveness of Various Water Conservation Techniques in Texas
Tax Incentives
- Texas Sales Tax Exemptions for Water Related Equipment with Application (A sales tax exemption was created in 2001, to encourage water conservation.)
- Application for Water Conservation Initiatives Property Tax Exemption (A property tax exemption is allowed for all or part of the assessed value of a property on which water conservation modifications have been made. Check with your local county appraisal district for guidance.)
- Sales and Use Tax Bulletin 94-123 Water and Wastewater Systems