$100,000 Water Cost Reduction with ABS Meter Efficiency Valve and Growing
- Location
Ontario, Canada
- Global Adjustment Class
A Class
- Program
Industrial Conservation Initiative (ICI)
Established in 1989, Marquis Companies (“Marquis”) is a leading provider of long term care services in the Northwest United States. The organization specializes in skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living. Recognized for their commitment to delivering high quality patient outcomes and integrating advanced technology within healthcare services, Marquis implements a proactive approach to optimizing its costs and ensures more time is delivered back to care.
This case study demonstrates how innovative water management solutions can lead to significant cost savings and sustainability benefits for healthcare organizations while improving patient care experiences.
Our primary motivations for connecting with Active Business Services were the increasing costs associated with operations due to rising energy rates, and that Active’s values aligned with our own. At the end of the day, financial benefits are great but we also want to work with organizations that share our core values and beliefs.
Kevin Reilly (CPA, CA) Director of Finance at Convertus Group
The Challenge
Facing escalating water expenses and increasing budgetary pressures, Marquis recognized the urgency of identifying cost saving strategies.
An initial challenge emerged from their invoice analysis, revealing a consistent uptick in water-related expenditures. In response, a property manager from the Oregon-based Marquis Companies reached out to Active Business Services (ABS), to explore opportunities to help reduce maintenance and water usage costs at one of their long term care facilities, without compromising service quality.
During an on-site feasibility audit conducted by ABS, before installing its Meter Efficiency Value (MEV), a second challenge was identified: the absence of a device for optimizing water usage and ensuring meter accuracy. As a result, Marquis’ water meter was far more vulnerable to high, variable water pressure (PSI) and water surges – both of which are the main contributing factors that drive up water costs.
- Optimize Water Meter Performance: Ensure the water meter operates within its optimal flow range, enhancing accuracy and reliability.
- Minimize Overbilling: Significantly reduce instances of overbilling due to fluctuations in city water pressure, leading to direct cost savings.
- Protect Downstream Equipment: Safeguard equipment from malfunctions that can occur as a result of pressure surges and the water hammer, thereby extending the lifespan of Marquis's assets.
- Enhance Water Efficiency: By achieving the above goals, Marquis could expect more efficient water use across its facilities, resulting in both financial and environmental benefits.
The Solution
An on-site evaluation was conducted to assess the water expenses at a facility, leading to the recommendation of implementing the ABS MEV to cut down on maintenance costs. After its installation, this NSF/ANSI 372 Certified device effectively adjusted to the facility’s pipe flow capacity, ensuring that operations continued without any interruptions.
The MEV improves water meter accuracy and eliminates air pockets that are present in all water lines, ensuring businesses only pay for the water they use. The valve compresses air volume, shrinking air pockets from the size of golf balls down to the equivalent of a few grains of sand. Moreover, by accurately measuring water usage and eliminating air-related billing, the MEV contributes to sustainability efforts by fostering responsible water consumption.
The Result
$100,000 Total Water Cost Savings and Growing
Immediately following the implementation of the MEV at their Mt. Tabor location in 2021, Marquis tracked substantial savings which led to the installation of the valve at a second Marquis location in 2023 and achieved similar outcomes. Consequently, the ongoing collaboration between Marquis and ABS is now increasingly centered on enhancing water and energy management strategies throughout their network of senior care facilities, aiming for broader operational efficiencies and sustainability.
Discover the potential of Active Business Services’ Meter Efficiency Valve for your facility.
Email: commercial@activebusinessservices.com
Phone: 416.238.5540