Water is one of our most valuable resources, and the Louisville, KY, USA team is exploring new ways to use it more efficiently.
Each year, the site purchases approximately 143 million gallons of water from the local municipal provider and responsibly treats and discharges about 88 million gallons to the Ohio River. While this process meets all regulatory requirements, the team saw an opportunity to reduce both water consumption and environmental impact.
Their solution? Give treated water a second life.
The project aims to recycle a portion of the site’s treated water for approved on-site uses, including reactor washes and cooling tower operations. By reusing water that would otherwise be discharged, the Louisville team can reduce the amount of fresh water purchased each year while making better use of existing resources.
The benefits extend beyond conservation. The initiative is expected to save an estimated $200,000 to $250,000 annually, showing how sustainability and smart business practices can go hand in hand.
Projects like this show how continuous improvement can lead to lasting results. Through collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to sustainability, the Louisville team is helping advance Bakelite’s environmental goals while reinforcing a simple but important principle: every drop counts.
