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Saving Water at Industrial Plants

Your water and sewer usage are billed separately. Water is usually metered, while the sewer bill is based on water usage. This method of billing results in a lot of overcharges. Here are a few reasons why:
  1. Water charges are based on meter size. The meter size depends on the max flow that is needed for the plant. The meter size can vary form ½" to 12" or larger.
  2. Your lawn sprinkler system. The water used for sprinklers is lost to the environment due to evaporation and absorption in the soil.
  3. Water may be needed to cool machinery and dumped into the storm water system.
  4. Water may be needed in products that are shipped out, such as skin care products and hair care or as ice on products.
  5. In industrial plants the sewer volume can be as low as 70% of water due to evaporation in cooling towers, boilers, ice for products, and many other industrial water uses. In most cases, cities bill for sewer based on volume and percentage of concentration. Lower your concentration of contaminates with holding ponds and chemical treatments.
  6. Look at the classification of rates and rate options. Classifications can make a huge difference in rates such as residential, commercial, and industrial.
  7. Machinery water nozzles for cleaning of the floors and machinery.
  8. Credits may be available for water charges based on usage in the production process.
  9. Meters that are not properly maintained can lead to false readings and result in substantial overcharges.
Call us to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation audit of your water and sewer bill.

Schedule a Meeting
Thank You,
Wayne Peterson - COO
952-938-7407
Could Water Savings Be Hiding in Your Spray Nozzles?
Saving water at your facility may be a lot easier than you think. When was the last time you inspected the nozzles on your pressure washer? Worn nozzles are a common source of undetected waste water. Here's what you can do maintain or replace your pressure washer nozzles and save money on your water and sewer bill.
  • Change nozzle type or material to one that can withstand your spraying solution
  • Decrease your spray pressure to decrease wear and corrosion
  • Add line trainers or install nozzles with built-in strainers
  • Consider automating your cleaning process.
Learn more about maintaining your pressure washer nozzles.
Spending Too Much on Your Water Bill? Downsize Your Meter.
When your water meter was first installed, whether it was a year ago or three decades ago, its size was based on a prediction of what your water needs would be; as the years go by, that number changes. As you conserve more water and change patterns in your water usage, your meter size may no longer serve your current water needs. Here's why meter size matters.
  • A correctly sized meter has a lower failure rate.
  • Smaller meters are easier to maintain than large meters.
  • Smaller meters have a lower base charge, which could save you up to 60% off your base rate. 
The first step toward downsizing your water meter is taking a look at your water bill to determine the size meter that's ideal for your business. Contact SM Engineering today to schedule your free, no-obligation water bill audit.
Short-Term Energy Outlook
Here's a look at the US Energy Information Administration's short-term energy outlook.


2015
2016
2017
2018
Heating Oil
($ per gallon)		 2.65 2.10 2.48 2.60
Natural Gas
($ per thousand cubic feet)		 10.36 10.06 10.94 11.07
Electricity
(cents per kwH)		 12.65 12.55 12.98 13.41
Gasoline 
($ per gallon)
 2.43 2.15 2.32 2.33
Diesel 
($ per gallon)
 2.71 2.31 2.59 2.71
WTI Crude Oil
($ per barrel)		 48.67 43.33 48.95 49.58
Brent Crude Oil
($ per barrel)		 52.32 43.74 50.79 51.58

SM Engineering Co. | 9 9th Ave North  |  Hopkins, MN  55343

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