Water Conservation / Water Quality Improvements
Chemical Use
The purchase of chemical solvents, cleaners, and other chemicals for custodial services,
fleet maintenance, surface deicing, and facility maintenance is limited to chemicals that
are effective and environmentally friendly. A majority of the chemicals and cleaners in use
at DCRA are natural, biodegradable, and made with ingredients to preserve human health and
environmental quality.
The use of green cleaning techniques and products avoids the use of chemically reactive and
toxic cleaning agents, some of which emit volatile organic compounds.
Glycol Recovery System
During deicing months, the DCRA glycol recovery system collects storm water runoff that may
contain harmful glycol. This innovative system samples, tests, stores, and discharges only
clean storm water into the nearby watershed. Water that does not meet minimum sanitary
requirements is diverted to treatment facilities before the water is discharged into the
watershed.
Low flow plumbing fixtures
More than 122 faucets, urinals, and toilets in public and staff restrooms at DCRA are
equipped with water-saving low flow fixtures. As facilities are repaired, or replaced,
waterless, high efficiency (dual flush), or low-flow toilets are integrated as appropriate.
DCRA estimates that over 8.5 gallons of water is saved with each use of these low flow
plumbing fixtures.