Q. Why is the City offering the Commercial Pre-Rinse Spray Nozzle Program?

A. This is one of the initiatives identified in the Water Conservation Five-Year Strategic Plan that was approved in 2005. It is estimated that Dallas has one of the highest number of restaurants per capita in the nation. Many are still using the older pre-rinse nozzle and replacing them will significantly reduce water usage and save restaurant owners money through reduced water, energy and wastewater fees.

Q. What is the City of Dallas’s goal for this program?

A.  Water conservation is a major component of the City of Dallas’s long-range water supply plan. Our goal is to save 2.11 billion gallons over the lifetime of the spray nozzles installed.

Q. Will this low-flow pre-rinse spray nozzle be as effective as my old one?

A. Absolutely! The Food Service Technology Center has performed extensive tests on the low-flow pre-rinse spray nozzle and found that it exceeds all food service standards for use in commercial kitchens while saving money, energy and water.

Q. How does the low-flow pre-rinse nozzle work?

A.  The device restricts water flow by forcing the water to go through a single, specially-shaped hole at the end of the nozzle. This action increases the water pressure inside the nozzle and hose, which means that the water will exit the nozzle at a higher speed and with greater force.

Q.  Will the new sprayer have enough pressure to clean my dishes?

A.  Yes! Your low-flow pre-rinse sprayer will create much more force while using less water, in the same manner as a pressure washer.

Q.  How much will I save?

A.  Your new low-flow pre-rinse nozzle will use about half of the water that a regular nozzle uses. A significant portion of hot water usage in most food service businesses usually comes from pre-rinse sprayers. Estimated water savings for one hour of use per day is 15,000 gallons or $500 to $600 annually. You can determine your approximate energy, water and dollar savings at the Food Service Technology Center website.

Q. Where should I look for savings resulting from installing a low-flow pre-rinse sprayer?

A.  Your water, sewer, and energy bills are the places to look. Using less hot water means heating less water, and depending on whether you have a gas or electric water heater you should see those savings on the corresponding portion of your energy bill.

Q.  Is there a difference in the way I use this new nozzle?

A.  The low-flow pre-rinse sprayers are most effective when held about a foot or less away from the dish that you are cleaning. Like a power washer, the water pressure will dissipate over distance. The installer will demonstrate how to use this sprayer and answer any other questions you may have.

Q.  What are the best uses for my new pre-rinse sprayer?

A.  Low-flow pre-rinse sprayers are designed to spray dirty dishes in the most efficient manner possible. To that end, we do not recommend using a low-flow pre-rinse sprayer for purposes for which it was not designed, such as filling pots or buckets or cleaning delicate produce such as lettuce.

Q.  How can I tell if I already have a low-flow pre-rinse model?

A.  The most obvious difference between a low-flow pre-rinse spray nozzle and the old conventional pre-rinse sprayer is that the old, inefficient model will have numerous holes that water is sprayed through, while a low-flow model will force all of the water through one hole. If you’d like to further test your nozzle, we’d suggest that you spray water full-force into a container with measurements on the side for a continuous 30 seconds. If after 30 seconds your container has less than a gallon of water in it, your pre-rinse sprayer is a low-flow model.

Q.  Will it cost me anything to have this spray nozzle installed?

A.  No! One of our professional installers will install your new spray nozzle, make sure that it is properly working, and train your kitchen staff on how to properly use it for free!

Q.  How long will it take to install my new low-flow pre-rinse sprayer?

A.  Just minutes! Our installer will replace your old pre-rinse sprayer with a new energy efficient one. Typically, the whole process takes just 15 minutes.

Q.  I know other business owners that could benefit from the Spray to Save Program. May I refer them to you?

A.  Yes, please! Spray to Save Program funding will not be available indefinitely.

Q.  What if the new spray nozzle breaks?

A.  All spray nozzles installed as part of the Spray to Save Program come with a 5-year manufacturer’s replacement warranty.