Environmental Retrofit Tour

Water Monitoring & Leak Detection

Water makes up 70 percent of our planet – yet only 3 percent of the world’s water is fresh enough to drink, and only 1 percent is readily accessible in our lakes and rivers. By 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population may face water shortages and the environmental repercussions will be catastrophic.1 Recognizing that fresh, potable water is one the most valuable resources on Earth, we have made a portfolio-wide commitment to significantly reduce our water consumption at our properties and equip our community staff with the data and training necessary to take immediate action when leaks are detected.

In 2020 and 2021, in collaboration with Alert Labs Industries, we installed water monitoring sensors called “Flowies” at 47 properties in the Rose Community Management portfolio. The Alert Labs dashboard provides the Environmental Impact team and community staff with minuteby-minute water usage data, allowing the teams to rapidly identify leaks and inefficient performance and contextualize opportunities for improvement. The low-cost, cell-based system incorporates live alerts that will text and email staff the moment a leak has been identified – a streamlined process which can save a property thousands of gallons of water and hundreds of dollars.

In 2020, we piloted the Flowie monitoring device at Lafayette Garden Apartments, a 341-unit property located in Alexandria, VA. Utilizing the Alert Labs dashboard, the team identified leaking toilets and valves across the property and systematically made fixes and replacements where necessary. In comparison to mid-2020, the property was able to reduce water consumption by 6 million gallons and save approximately $76,000 in water costs.2

We aim to expand water reduction strategy beyond live water monitoring and leak detection systems. In 2022, we plan to incorporate smart irrigation and controls into our landscaping strategy – utilizing real-time weather data, temperature sensors and rain detection to reduce outdoor water use. Operationally, we have standardized xeriscaping wherever possible and ensure that plantings are native and drought tolerant.