Advancing Water Efficiency in Affordable Housing

Every year, household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water nationwide.

Source: US EPA

Outdated, leaky toilets represent one of the biggest opportunities for improving indoor water efficiency.

Source: Pacific Institute National Water Efficiency Assessment

Toilet leaks are the leading source of water waste in large multifamily buildings.

Source: US EPA

Overview

_{Preparing sensors for installation (2023)}

Drought and climate change threaten water reliability across the western United States. Water efficiency and conservation are key strategies to ensure sufficient water supplies for all, but not all groups have the same access to water efficient devices and technologies.

This initiative tackles an overlooked but pervasive issue – leaky toilets in multifamily housing – that quietly wastes millions of gallons of water each year. In large multifamily properties, leaky toilets are notoriously hard to detect. A single running toilet can silently waste hundreds of gallons of water per day. Since 2021, the Pacific Institute has built a coalition of partners to deploy an innovative toilet leak detection technology in 14 affordable multifamily properties in California and Arizona, saving an estimated 10 million gallons per year. The simple sensor attaches to the supply line of each toilet and connects to an online platform that sends alerts to the property manager and maintenance teams when a leak is detected. This allows property staff to address the leak quickly, instead of letting it go unnoticed for weeks or even months.

“By addressing these leaks we are not just saving water, we are contributing to a larger goal of having sustainable water supply.”

Troy Hayes, Water Services Director, City of Phoenix

Social Impact

_{Sensor Industries staff installing a sensor at Sunnyslope Manor in Phoenix, AZ (2023)}

Everyone, regardless of income level, knows that water is a precious resource, especially in a drought-prone region like the western United States. This leak detection system helps property managers catch and fix toilet leaks quickly, saving water, reducing water bills for affordable housing providers, and allowing low-income residents to participate in water conservation without taking on additional burden. This work has also enhanced resident satisfaction and engagement around water conservation. In a survey of 100 residents living in properties participating in this program, over 90% said they are concerned about water scarcity, and that they feel a responsibility to help save water. 85% said that knowing their building is taking action to save water makes them happy to live there.

“Millions of gallons of water run through our properties, so it’s important to us that we do our part to preserve and sustain wherever we can.”

Tina Booth, Director of Asset Management, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles

Innovative Technology & Partnerships

What makes this initiative unique is its model for partnership and scalability. It unites environmental NGOs, a private technology company, water utilities, and affordable housing providers in a shared mission to bring cutting-edge water technology to communities that are often left out of sustainability solutions. Corporate partners provided funding through their water stewardship commitments, while local utilities offered rebates and technical support, creating a blueprint for cross-sector collaboration that can be replicated in cities across the United States and beyond.

“This project has a low entry point to investment and you’re able to see the benefits so quickly and you can measure the savings. Not only the volume savings, but also the dollar savings, and even getting towards energy benefits and other benefits.”

Shannon Quinn, Procter & Gamble