Labs typically require high volumes of water for uses such as glassware washing, rinsing, water baths, autoclaves or equipment cooling. But many of the water‑intensive practices can be optimized without compromising research accuracy or safety.

In the future, we hope to develop new resources for supporting water efficient practices in labs. For now here are some existing resources around best practices.

Lab water use tips

  • Conduct a water audit or assessment: Identify where labs use the most water (cooling, condensers, glass washing, water baths), then track usage over time. See “Water Efficiency in Laboratories: Best Practices Guide” from the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) and EPA for detailed methods.
  • Use waterless or recirculating systems instead of single‑pass cooling: Where labs rely on flowing cooling water, replacing with waterless condensers or recirculators can vastly reduce water consumption. The University of Colorado's Green Labs Water page highlights several lab practices.
  • Install low‑flow fixtures or aerators: Retrofitting taps, installing flow restrictors or aerators can reduce water flow without significantly impacting usability. Using Water Efficiently in Labs from the University of Bath includes these and other tips.
  • Fix leaks and monitor equipment: Even small leaks or constant unused flow (especially in cooling loops) can add up. Prompt detection and maintenance matter.

Other resources