5) Water Efficiency (66)

Which of the following occupant would be classified as FTE? A. A librarian B. A cleaning person who only works in the evenings C. A delivery person D. All of the Above

A. A librarian Correct Answer This is correct. Another way of posing this question is to ask who is in the building full-time (40 hours per week)? A full-time equivalent (FTE) represents a regular building occupant in a project building. An FTE of 1.0 means that the person is equivalent to a full-time worker, while an FTE of 0.5 signals that the worker is only half-time. Transient occupants (visitors, guests), along with Full Time Equivalents, are used when calculating reductions in water usage, and some alternative transportation credits. B. A cleaning person who only works in the evenings If individuals only work in the evenings then they are part-time workers, not full-time workers. C. A delivery person Delivery people would be considered visitors. D. All of the Above

During the integrative process, which of the following improvements in water efficiency would most likely need to be researched to confirm that they are legal to implement within the project? A. Alternative water sources B. Submetering C. Site conditions D. Fixtures and fittings

A. Alternative water sources This is correct. Early in the design process, project teams need to establish a water balance and see what is legal within the project for reclaimed water, black water, graywater collection, and rainwater harvesting. If these items are not addressed early and a graywater collection system is already being constructed under the building, it can't necessarily be easily or cheaply removed.

A project that reduces the amount of wastewater transported off site helps achieve which of the following community benefits? A. An increase in new municipal wastewater treatment infrastructure B. A reduction in the demand for potable water C. A reduction in municipal energy required to treat wastewater D. An increase in municipal graywater supplies

A. An increase in new municipal wastewater treatment infrastructure Projects that reduce wastewater leaving the site would do the opposite; DECREASE new infrastructure needs. B. A reduction in the demand for potable water This could be achieved with low-flow and high efficiency plumbing fixtures and fittings. OR on-site blackwater treatment of the wastewater. However, Please note that the questions DOES NOT imply that the wastewater is being re-used on site. So you cannot assume it is being treated to potable standards, which would reduce demand. EXAM TIP :: Do not assume any additional information beyond what is offered in the question. C. A reduction in municipal energy required to treat wastewater Correct Answer This is correct. For this question, think about the avoided conventional externalities of water leaving the site. What is the result? 1) Reduced energy to treat that wastewater 2) Reduced demand for wastewater treatment infrastructure. Both of these reduce GHG and other pollutants created by water transportation and treatment to municipal facilities, which in turn improves quality of life for humans and lessens environmental burdens. D. An increase in municipal graywater supplies Projects that reduce wastewater leaving the site would do the opposite; DECREASE municipal graywater supplies

What types of water should be prioritized for irrigation? A. Blackwater B. Potable water C. Rainwater D. Process Water

A. Blackwater Blackwater is water from toilets or kitchen sinks that has not been treated. B. Potable water Potable water usually comes from wells or municipal supplies and should not be used for irrigation. Onsite waste water treatment systems can turn rainwater, graywater, and blackwater into potable water as well. C. Rainwater This is Correct. Rainwater can be collected in cisterns and used for irrigation purposes if local code allows it. D. Process Water Process Water is used inside a building for systems outside the scope of the 2 water prerequisites.

What type of water can NOT be used for irrigation purposes? A. Blackwater B. Potable water C. Rainwater D. Laundry water

A. Blackwater This is correct. Waste water from toilets and urinals is considered blackwater and cannot be used for irrigation (unless it has been treated first).

Which of the following is the appropriate way to document whether a bathroom sink qualifies for an indoor water use reduction? A. By fixture cut sheets B. By occupancy calculations C. By submitting the total quantity of fixtures D. By choosing the product manufacturer in LEED online

A. By fixture cut sheets This is correct. Part of the documentation process for water saving fixtures is to include the manufacturer's cut sheets that describe the water-saving aspects of the fixture.

Designers and builders can construct green buildings that use significantly less municipal water than conventional construction by performing which of the following actions? A. Decreasing the number of fixtures in a project B. Incorporating native landscapes that eliminate the need for irrigation C. Reducing the site's runoff volume D. Installing water meters

A. Decreasing the number of fixtures in a project Decreasing fixtures does not decrease their use; it just increases the time people have to wait to use the bathroom. B. Incorporating native landscapes that eliminate the need for irrigation This is Correct. Outdoor water demands are part of the overall building demand. C. Reducing the site's runoff volume This is part of rainwater management. If the choice was to implement rainwater harvesting with the runoff, that would be a correct response. Just reducing runoff alone doesn't equate to a project using less water. D. Installing water meters Installing water meters does not reduce demand. It helps building owners make informed decisions about water use.

Which of the following would a landscape architect use to measure the outdoor water use of a project? A. EPA WaterSense Water Budget Tool B. Local historic records C. IPC and UPC codes D. EPAct 1992

A. EPA WaterSense Water Budget Tool This is Correct. The WaterSense Water Budget Tool is a free online tool to help calculate the percent of outdoor water use reduction in LEED. The water budget approach serves as a design tool, allowing the professional to design a sustainable landscape based on a regionally appropriate amount of water. A water budget is a site-specific method of calculating an allowable amount of water to be used by the landscape and then designing the landscape to meet this budget. The budget takes into account plant type, plant water needs, irrigation system design, and applied water that the landscape receives either by irrigation or by precipitation. Water budgets must be associated with a specified amount of time, such as a week, month, or year.

What unit of measurement is used for a lavatory faucet? A. Gallons / liters per flush B. Gallons / liters per minute C. Process water rate D. Design efficiency

A. Gallons / liters per flush From the EPAct standard of 1992, the baseline flush rate for water closets is 1.6 gpf (gallons per flush). For urinals the flush rate is 1.0 gpf. B. Gallons / liters per minute This is Correct. Gallons per minute is a measurement of flow fixtures such as faucets. From the EPAct standard of 1992, the baseline flow rate for a lavatory faucet is 2.2 gpm (gallons per minute). C. Process water rate There is no such term as process water rate in LEED. D. Design efficiency There is no such term as design efficiency in LEED.

What unit of measurement is used for toilets? A. Gallons per flush (liters per flush) B. Gallons per minute (liters per minute) C. FTE D. Wastewater efficiency

A. Gallons per flush (liters per flush) This is Correct. From the EPAct standard of 1992, the baseline flush rate for water closets is 1.6 gpf (gallons per flush). For urinals the flush rate is 1.0 gpf. B. Gallons per minute (liters per minute) Gallons per minute is a measurement of flow fixtures such as faucets.v C. FTE Full-time equivalent (FTE): A regular building occupant who spends 40 hours per week in the project building. Part-time or overtime occupants have FTE values based on their hours per week divided by 40. Multiple shifts are included or excluded depending on the intent and requirements of the credit. (-USGBC) D. Wastewater efficiency There is no such term as wastewater efficiency in LEED.

What can help reduce indoor potable water demand? A. Gravity-based irrigation system B. Stacking the building design C. Smaller kitchen sinks D. Composting toilets

A. Gravity-based irrigation system This would reduce energy demand to pump water. Does not affect volume of water delivered. B. Stacking the building design Similar to above. This could create efficiencies in hot water delivery and sewage removal from the building. Again, primarily reduce energy consumption from pumping. C. Smaller kitchen sinks Sink diameter has no effect on water demand. Faucet aerators would reduce demand by design. D. Composting toilets This is correct. The indoor water efficiency credits address both reducing potable water use through water conserving fixtures (efficiency), and offsetting potable water use by using graywater, rainwater, and recycled water. Waterless urinals and composting toilets have a tremendous water savings over conventional flush fixtures (water closets, toilets, conventional urinals).

What type of water is rainwater? A. Graywater B. Potable water C. Blackwater D. Non-potable water

A. Graywater Graywater is defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as untreated house-hold wastewater which has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks. Graywater includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, and water from clothes-washer and laundry tubs. It does not include water from kitchen sinks or dishwashers. B. Potable water Potable water is water which is fit for consumption by humans and other animals. It is also called drinking water, in a reference to its intended use. Water may be naturally potable, as is the case with pristine springs, or it may need to be treated in order to be safe. C. Blackwater Blackwater is waste water from toilets and urinals. Water that has come in contact with food through kitchen sinks and dishwashers is usually classified as blackwater. D. Non-potable water This is Correct. In most jurisdictions rainwater is considered non-potable.

What types of water can NOT be used for flushing toilets? A. Graywater B. Non-potable water C. Rainwater D. Blackwater

A. Graywater Graywater is defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as untreated house-hold wastewater which has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks. Some states and local codes have other definitions. Graywater includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, and water from clothes-washer and laundry tubs. We receive many questions on this graywater issue - does the soap from showers matter, what if someone washed diapers in the laundry - the main points to remember are 1) that the definition of graywater includes shower and laundry water; and 2) that LEED allows graywater use. B. Non-potable water Non-potable water such as rainwater or graywater is a great choice for offsetting potable water use in toilet flushing if local code permits it. C. Rainwater Rainwater is a great choice for offsetting potable water use in toilet flushing if local code permits it. D. Blackwater This is correct. Once a toilet is flushed, the water becomes blackwater. However the water cannot be cycled back for more flushing unless it has been treated first.

Indoor plumbing fixtures need to have which of the following labels for LEED? A. Green-e B. WaterSense C. LEED Certified D. Building Green

A. Green-e Green-e certification is for RECs. B. WaterSense This is correct. WaterSense makes it easy to find and select water efficient products and ensures consumer confidence in those products with a label backed by independent certification. Products with the WaterSense label: Perform as well or better than their less efficient counterparts. Are 20% more water efficient than average products in that category. C. LEED Certified LEED Certified is for buildings. D. Building Green Building Green is a resource for building materials, not a certification.

Which of the following is effective at reducing potable water use indoors? A. Implementing cooling tower water management B. Installing sub-meters C. Installing low-consumption flush fixtures and low-flow rate faucets D. Installing fixtures that meet the EPAct 1992 standard

A. Implementing cooling tower water management Cooling tower water management is part of process water reduction. B. Installing sub-meters Water submeters by themselves do not reduce use. They are a tracking and information tool to help inform design decisions. C. Installing low-consumption flush fixtures and low-flow rate faucets This is correct. The intent of the Water Efficiency category is to reduce potable water demand (not increase it). Low-flow fixtures help reduce potable water consumption indoors. D. Installing fixtures that meet the EPAct 1992 standard EPAct 1992 is the standard used to calculate baseline water usage, not the design case. EPAct 1992 mandated the use of water conserving plumbing fixtures in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. The answer choice of 'Installing fixtures that meet the EPAct 1992 standard' only meets the baseline standard and does not contribute to reducing potable water use for the purposes of earning LEED credits. The fixture and flow rates of EPAct 1992 are used to set the water use baseline for a building. The design case must reduce water use 20% over the baseline. In order to do this low flow fixtures must be used in the design, or replacing potable water with graywater/rainwater. Think of the fixtures and flow rates of EPAct 1992 as the worst case scenario.

What strategy to control and reduce runoff will hold water and reduce the rate of runoff? A. Increase the area of permeable surfaces B. Install pervious pavement C. Direct runoff into dry ponds D. Reduce the size of the building footprint

A. Increase the area of permeable surfaces Increasing permeable surfaces reduces the rate of runoff but this strategy does not retain the water. B. Install pervious pavement Pervious pavement is designed to allow percolation or infiltration of rainwater through the surface into the soil below where the water is naturally filtered and pollutants are removed. This would reduce the rate but not hold any water. C. Direct runoff into dry ponds This is Correct. A dry pond (detention pond) is used to store excess rainwater. Dry ponds are basins whose outlets have been designed to detain runoff for some minimum time (e.g., 24 hours). The rainwater will slowly seep into the ground to recharge aquifers or discharge as determined by the pond design to allow pollutants to settle. Unlike wet ponds, these facilities do not have a large permanent pool of water. D. Reduce the size of the building footprint Reducing the building footprint will reduce impervious surfaces. This reduces the rate but does not hold water.

What project design strategy would minimize a project's water usage the most? A. Increasing the area of permeable surfaces B. Installing a landscape that needs no irrigation C. Directing runoff into retention ponds or bioswales D. Minimize the quantity of hardscapes on the project site

A. Increasing the area of permeable surfaces This strategy can help with rainwater management. B. Installing a landscape that needs no irrigation This is Correct A landscape that requires no irrigation uses less water. C. Directing runoff into retention ponds or bioswales This strategy helps with rainwater management. D. Minimize the quantity of hardscapes on the project site This strategy helps with rainwater management and increasing open space.

Which of the following are strategies for conserving potable water? A. Increasing the infiltration of runoff B. Installing an onsite septic system C. Installing a bio-retention pond D. Installing a dual flush toilet

A. Increasing the infiltration of runoff Increasing the infiltration of runoff does not reduce potable water use. It only improves the quality of the runoff. B. Installing an onsite septic system A septic system does not reduce potable water use. It reduces the quantity of wastewater that must be treated by municipal sewage plants. C. Installing a bio-retention pond A bioretention pond helps with rainwater management by slowing the rate at which rainwater leaves the site. D. Installing a dual flush toilet This is correct. A dual flush toilet has two different flow rates depending on the type of waste. These toilets can use less potable water than a standard toilet.

Which of the following has the highest priority in LEED? A. Indoor water use reduction B. Outdoor water use reduction C. Cooling tower water use D. Sub-metering

A. Indoor water use reduction This is correct. Of the available choices, indoor water use reduction has the highest priority because it can earn the most points.

What strategies will not reduce the use of potable water for irrigation? A. Installing native plants B. Replacing permeable pavement with turf grass C. Using graywater for irrigation D. Using rainwater for irrigation

A. Installing native plants Native plants require less irrigation, less fertilizer, and less maintenance than non-native plants. Native plants thus reduce the need for potable water use for landscaping, and reducing water use for landscaping in general. Native plants can be used to restore previously developed sites to increase open space. B. Replacing permeable pavement with turf grass This is Correct The installation of turf grass will increase the watering needs of the landscape. C. Using graywater for irrigation Graywater can be used in some jurisdictions for non-potable uses such as irrigation. Graywater is defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as untreated house-hold wastewater which has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks. Graywater includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, and water from clothes-washer and laundry tubs. It does not include water from kitchen sinks or dishwashers. D. Using rainwater for irrigation Rainwater can be collected and used for irrigation if local codes allow it.

What can help reduce indoor potable water consumption? A. Installing reduced-flow aerators on lavatory faucets B. Installing a green roof C. Installing a blackwater system D. Supplying irrigation with treated grey water from the building

A. Installing reduced-flow aerators on lavatory faucets This is Correct. Retrofitting/designing a building with flow-restrictors and reduced-flow aerators helps reduce water use by demand and consumption. B. Installing a green roof A green roof does not impact the baseline indoor water use. C. Installing a blackwater system This would help with wastewater management. D. Supplying irrigation with treated grey water from the building This is a strategy to reduce potable water consumption in the landscape outdoors. Recycling greywater to use outdoors does not reduce indoor water consumption.

An owner is questioning the additional costs of submetering of a mixed-use project's water systems. For what reason should the submeters be installed? A. LEED requires metering by subsystem of all energy and water based systems B. Identifies disparities between how a project's water-based systems are designed to operate and how they actually perform C. Submetering is a Minimum Program Requirement D. The integrative process does not work without submetering data

A. LEED requires metering by subsystem of all energy and water based systems Subsystems are not required to be metered in LEED; only building level metering is required. In LEED v4 building level energy and water metering is a prerequisite. In LEED v2009 sharing energy and water use with USGBC is a Minimum Program Requirement (via utility statements or metering data). B. Identifies disparities between how a project's water-based systems are designed to operate and how they actually perform This is correct. C. Submetering is a Minimum Program Requirement D. The integrative process does not work without submetering data

Rain gardens, vegetated rooftops, and permeable pavements are strategies to manage rainwater and contribute to: A. Low impact development B. Increased water efficiency C. More compact development D. Increased potable water

A. Low impact development This is Correct. LID is 'an approach to managing rainwater runoff that emphasizes on-site natural features to protect water quality, by replicating the natural land cover hydrologic regime of watersheds, and addressing runoff close to its source. Examples include better site design principles (e.g., minimizing land disturbance, preserving vegetation, minimizing impervious cover), and design practices (e.g., rain gardens, vegetated swales and buffers, permeable pavement, rainwater harvesting, soil amendments). These are engineered practices that may require specialized design assistance.' - USGBC B. Increased water efficiency Water efficiency can be accomplished by efficient irrigation, efficient plumbing fixtures, graywater use, etc. C. More compact development These strategies do not contribute to compact development. D. Increased potable water Some of these strategies can help capture nonpotable water.

What landscaping strategy will best eliminate the need for irrigation? A. Micro-irrigation B. Mulching C. Xeriscaping D. Drip irrigation

A. Micro-irrigation Micro-irrigation and drip irrigation are both irrigation techniques. B. Mulching Mulching helps retain moisture for plants, but it is not the BEST strategy from the choices given. C. Xeriscaping This is Correct. Xeriscaping is a landscaping method that employs drought-resistant plants to minimize or eliminate water use. D. Drip irrigation Micro-irrigation and drip irrigation are both irrigation techniques.

Harvesting rainwater can help with what project areas? A. Minimizing impervious areas B. Reducing runoff C. Minimizing site hardscapes D. Reducing fertilization needs for the landscape

A. Minimizing impervious areas Harvesting rainwater is not a strategy to reduce the size of a project's impervious areas (hardscapes) such as parking lots or walkways. B. Reducing runoff This is Correct. Harvesting rainwater for uses such as toilet flushing, landscape irrigation, and custodial uses reduces the quantity of runoff. C. Minimizing site hardscapes Harvesting rainwater is not a strategy to reduce the size of a project's impervious areas (hardscapes) such as parking lots or walkways. D. Reducing fertilization needs for the landscape Using rainwater for irrigation is not a factor in the quantity of fertilization a landscape will require.

Which of the following is considered potable water? A. Municipally recycled water used for landscape irrigation B. Wastewater from water closets C. Water from a local well that meets EPA's drinking water quality standards that is used for lavatory faucets D. Harvested rainwater used for flushing toilets

A. Municipally recycled water used for landscape irrigation Recycled water is non-potable water. This type of water is often supplied by purple pipes which indicate the water is not fit for drinking. B. Wastewater from water closets This is just wastewater, which makes it non-potable. C. Water from a local well that meets EPA's drinking water quality standards that is used for lavatory faucets This is correct. One of the goals of the Water Efficiency credits is to reduce the water taken from subsurface sources such as wells and natural aquifers. Water that meets EPA's drinking water standards is fit for human consumption and is considered potable. D. Harvested rainwater used for flushing toilets Harvested rainwater is non-potable and does not meet EPA's drinking quality standards.

What type of plants do the most to help reduce water use for landscaping? A. Native plants B. Trees C. Turf grass D. Annual flowers

A. Native plants This is Correct. Native (or indigenous) plants are those that grow naturally in an area, or that have been in an area for many years. Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pest control. These plants can be trees, shrubs, flowers, or grasses. Adaptive plants are non-native plants that perform well in the local climate. Native and adaptive plants require less water, and are more disease resistant because they are suited to the region's usual rainfall, soil, and temperature.

An office has a small pantry with a kitchen sink. The sink is used to wash dishes by hand and fill coffee pots. What is the type of water called that comes out of the kitchen faucet? A. Non-potable water B. Potable water C. Gray water D. Black water E. Process water

A. Non-potable water Non-potable water is water that is not of drinking water quality, but which may still be used for many other purposes, depending on its quality. B. Potable water This is Correct. Water that meets EPA's drinking water standards is fit for human consumption and is considered potable. C. Gray water Graywater includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, and water from clothes-washer and laundry tubs. D. Black water Treatment and definitions of blackwater vary - in some jurisdictions, blackwater is wastewater generated from toilet flushing; in others, it includes water from kitchen sinks or laundry facilities. It is distinct from greywater or sullage, the residues of washing processes. Check with local codes for the area's definition of blackwater. E. Process water Process water is 'water that is used for industrial processes and building systems, such as cooling towers, boilers, and chillers. It can also refer to water used in operational processes, such as dishwashing, clothes washing, and ice making.' - USGBC

For which of the following credit areas would a site plan be submitted for documentation? A. Outdoor water use reduction B. Acoustic design C. Furniture reuse D. Demand response

A. Outdoor water use reduction This is Correct. The landscape area would need to be documented to show the types of plants, the different areas of vegetation, where irrigation will go, etc.

What information would a project team need to successfully implement both rainwater management and outdoor water use reduction? A. Precipitation data B. Occupancy counts C. Water balance D. Location of indoor submeters

A. Precipitation data This is Correct. The knowledge of how much rain falls on the site will be needed for rainwater management. This information also helps the landscape designer determine the type of irrigation, plant selection, and areas of vegetation. B. Occupancy counts Occupancy counts are not needed for either. C. Water balance Water balance is a goal of not using any more water on a site that falls as precipitation. D. Location of indoor submeters This is not needed for outdoor water use reduction.

What is an environmental benefit of using graywater for irrigation? A. Preserving aquifers B. Drip irrigation can be used C. Reduced heat islands D. Increased irrigation efficiency

A. Preserving aquifers This is Correct. An aquifer is an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock or unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand, silt, or clay) from which groundwater can be usefully extracted using a water well. Aquifers are critically important in human habitation and agriculture. Water efficient landscaping helps reduce the need from potable water from local and regional aquifers. LEED rewards projects for reducing potable water (drinking water) use for landscaping. Reducing potable water use preserves aquifers for future generations. B. Drip irrigation can be used Drip irrigation does not require a specific type of water. Potable or non-potable (graywater) can be used. C. Reduced heat islands Using potable or non-potable water for irrigation does not impact heat islands. D. Increased irrigation efficiency The type of water does not determine the irrigation efficiency. The type of irrigation system (drip, conventional, etc) does.

Which of the following is often considered a type of blackwater? A. Process water for cooling towers B. Water from washing machines C. Municipally reclaimed water D. Dishwasher water

A. Process water for cooling towers Process water is not blackwater. B. Water from washing machines C. Municipally reclaimed water This is a type of recycled water that can be used for flushing or irrigation (not drinking). D. Dishwasher water This is correct. Treatment and definitions of blackwater vary - in some jurisdictions, blackwater is wastewater generated from toilet flushing; in others, it includes water from kitchen sinks or laundry facilities. It is distinct from greywater or sullage, the residues of washing processes. Check with local codes for the area's definition of blackwater.

A rainwater harvesting system can help with: A. Protect Habitat B. Reducing heat islands C. Runoff management D. Improving site restoration

A. Protect Habitat Cisterns or other storage tanks that have to be located in the landscape may compete for surface area that could otherwise be left undisturbed or restored for habitat conservation. B. Reducing heat islands Rainwater harvesting does not reduce the heat island effect. C. Runoff management This is Correct. Rainwater cisterns (tanks) can be used as a structural measure to remove pollutants from runoff. The most effective method to minimize runoff volume and treatment requirements is to reduce the amount of impervious area. D. Improving site restoration Rainwater harvesting does not help restore sites.

Submeters are a strategy to reduce outdoor water use by: A. Providing water consumption tracking and leak identification B. Billing tenants based on their portion of building occupancy C. Preventing irrigation runoff D. Providing weather-based irrigation control

A. Providing water consumption tracking and leak identification This is correct. Designing an efficient irrigation system is the first step towards outdoor water savings. Metering and monitoring allow the operations team to verify the system is working as it was designed. Overwatering is more typical than under watering but both can lead to problems. Only through metering and analysis will the real benefits be realized of the design. B. Billing tenants based on their portion of building occupancy C. Preventing irrigation runoff A submeter does not prevent irrigation runoff. A submeter only tracks water use. D. Providing weather-based irrigation control Submeters do not provide weather based control.

Which of the following is a type of graywater? A. Rainwater collected and held in a cistern B. Rainwater collected in a retention pond C. Wastewater from urinals D. Wastewater that has not come in contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks

A. Rainwater collected and held in a cistern This is rainwater. B. Rainwater collected in a retention pond This is rainwater. C. Wastewater from urinals This is blackwater. D. Wastewater that has not come in contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks This is correct. Graywater is defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as untreated house-hold wastewater which has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks. Graywater includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, and water from clothes-washer and laundry tubs. It does not include water from kitchen sinks or dishwashers.

Which of the following project designs would help with both rainwater management and municipal water use reduction? A. Rainwater harvesting B. Vegetated roof C. Submetering D. Underground parking

A. Rainwater harvesting This is Correct. Rainwater harvesting can help with rainwater management by keeping the rainwater on site and reducing the rate of runoff. If allowed, harvested rainwater can assist in irrigation to help with reducing municipal water use for outdoor water needs.

What is not a benefit of reducing potable water use in buildings? A. Reduced contamination of nearby water bodies B. Reduces water waste C. Decreased building operating costs D. Reduced drawdown of water from water bodies and aquifers

A. Reduced contamination of nearby water bodies This is correct. Contamination of nearby water bodies would be caused by sedimentation.

In many buildings the most significant savings associated with water efficiency result from: A. Reduced maintenance costs B. Reduced energy costs C. Reduced development costs D. Keeping contaminants at safe levels in reservoirs and aquifers

A. Reduced maintenance costs This is not the greatest economic savings. B. Reduced energy costs This is correct. Energy is used to heat, cool, and distribute water within a building. Water heating in commercial buildings accounts for 15% of total energy use (CBECS). Reducing the quantity of water used has a direct impact on the energy it takes to heat, cool, and distribute the water. Municipal energy is also saved because less water must be treated at sewage plants. C. Reduced development costs This is not the greatest economic savings. D. Keeping contaminants at safe levels in reservoirs and aquifers This would be an environmental benefit.

The addition or increasing the use of graywater in a building can help with: A. Reducing potable water use in faucets B. Reducing runoff C. Reducing potable water used by urinals D. Reducing rainwater harvesting

A. Reducing potable water use in faucets Graywater would not be recycled for people to use for hand washing. B. Reducing runoff Graywater is unrelated to runoff. C. Reducing potable water used by urinals This is correct. Graywater can be used for flushing in water closets and urinals, or process water needs for some systems. D. Reducing rainwater harvesting Graywater is unrelated to rainwater.

Which of the following reduces outdoor water use while also improving the triple bottom line? A. Replacing vegetated areas with impermeable pavement B. Using well-water for irrigation C. Installing a landscape that doesn't require a permanent irrigation system D. Using permeable pavement for all parking spaces

A. Replacing vegetated areas with impermeable pavement Decreasing open space and replacing it with impermeable pavement would have a negative effect on the environment. B. Using well-water for irrigation Using well-water reduces local aquifers and potable water supplies. LEED credits try to avoid this. C. Installing a landscape that doesn't require a permanent irrigation system This is Correct. If the landscape doesn't require permanent irrigation, this would reduce outdoor water use, and thus improve the environmental aspect of the triple bottom line. D. Using permeable pavement for all parking spaces Installing permeable pavement does not reduce outdoor water use.

Which of the following is a source of graywater? A. Showers B. Toilets C. Wells D. Municipal potable water supply systems

A. Showers This is correct. Shower water that goes down the drain is then classified as graywater, depending on local code. B. Toilets Toilet water that is flushed becomes blackwater. C. Wells Well water is usually potable water. D. Municipal potable water supply systems This is potable water, just like it says.

Which of the following does a facility operator need in order to optimize water consumption? A. Submetering of water-using systems B. Fixture cutsheets of waterless urinals C. The operating times of the building D. The schedules of the occupants

A. Submetering of water-using systems This is correct. To optimize systems, the systems must be measured. Submetering helps monitor which systems are using more water than others, which are using too much water, and which may have leaks. B. Fixture cutsheets of waterless urinals This would not help optimize consumption because the urinals are already installed. C. The operating times of the building This would not help. D. The schedules of the occupants Occupant schedules do not matter. If 300 people work 9 to 5 or if 300 people work over a span of 24 hours, their total water consumption is the same.

What is the EPAct of 1992 used for? A. To set the baseline water flow requirements of toilets and fixtures B. To determine the baseline building energy performance for buildings 20,000 sq. ft. or less C. To define the VOC content limits of certain building materials D. To define ODP and GWP limits for refrigerants

A. To set the baseline water flow requirements of toilets and fixtures This is correct. EPAct of 1992 set water flow limits on toilets and fixtures. B. To determine the baseline building energy performance for buildings 20,000 sq. ft. or less ASHRAE standards can be used for this. C. To define the VOC content limits of certain building materials Manufacturers provide these. D. To define ODP and GWP limits for refrigerants LEED provides these.

Potable water is defined as: A. Untreated house-hold wastewater which has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks B. Water that is not treated to drinking water standards and is not meant for human consumption C. Water that meets or exceeds EPA's drinking water standards D. Wastewater from bathroom sinks, laundry machines, kitchen sinks and dishwashers

A. Untreated house-hold wastewater which has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks This is graywater. B. Water that is not treated to drinking water standards and is not meant for human consumption This is the definition of non-potable water. C. Water that meets or exceeds EPA's drinking water standards This is correct. Potable water meets or exceeds EPA's drinking water standards. Potable water can be used for any purpose, though the intent of the water efficiency credits is to reduce the use of potable water. D. Wastewater from bathroom sinks, laundry machines, kitchen sinks and dishwashers Water that has come in contact with food through kitchen sinks and dishwashers is usually classified as blackwater.

Which of the following would be considered graywater? A. Untreated laundry water B. Air conditioning condensate C. Water from a dishwasher D. Recycled water from the city

A. Untreated laundry water This is correct. Graywater is defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as untreated house-hold wastewater which has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks. Graywater includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, and water from clothes-washer and laundry tubs. It does not include water from kitchen sinks or dishwashers. B. Air conditioning condensate This is a source of non-potable water for uses such as irrigation. C. Water from a dishwasher This is blackwater. D. Recycled water from the city This is just recycled water.

What is a strategy for water efficient landscaping? A. Use drip irrigation B. Use potable water C. Create a pond on the property D. Treat wastewater onsite

A. Use drip irrigation This is Correct. Water efficient landscaping helps reduce the need from potable water from local and regional aquifers. Drip irrigation is a highly effective way to deliver water to a plant's roots because the water isn't lost to the wind, evaporation, or runoff. B. Use potable water LEED rewards projects for reducing potable water (drinking water) use for landscaping. Reducing potable water use preserves aquifers for future generations. C. Create a pond on the property Creating a pond is a good strategy for rainwater management. D. Treat wastewater onsite LEED rewards projects that treat wastewater onsite. The treated wastewater can be used for irrigation purposes if local code permits it. However just treating wastewater onsite doesn't lead to more efficient irrigation.

A restaurant is located on the second floor of a building. How can the project team decrease indoor water use demand? A. Use graywater for washing dishes B. Use rainwater for toilet flushing C. Place restrooms on the first floor of a building D. Install high efficiency toilets

A. Use graywater for washing dishes Graywater can offset potable water use but it does not reduce the demand. Additionally you can't use graywater to wash dishes because it is non-potable. B. Use rainwater for toilet flushing Rainwater can offset potable water use but it does not reduce the demand. C. Place restrooms on the first floor of a building Restroom location does not impact water demand. D. Install high efficiency toilets This is correct. High efficiency toilets have a tremendous water savings over conventional flush fixtures (water closets, toilets, conventional urinals). They accomplish the same task but by using less water (efficiency).

Which factor would increase outdoor water use? A. Using low-impact development (LID) strategies B. Increasing planting density C. Installing submeters D. Using turfgrass for groundcover

A. Using low-impact development (LID) strategies Low-impact development (LID) is "an approach to managing rainwater runoff that emphasizes on-site natural features to protect water quality by replicating the natural land cover hydrologic regime of watersheds and addressing runoff close to its source. Examples include better site design principles (e.g., minimizing land disturbance, preserving vegetation, minimizing impervious cover) and design practices (e.g., rain gardens, vegetated swales and buffers, permeable pavement, rainwater harvesting, soil amendments). These are engineered practices that may require specialized design assistance." - USGBC B. Increasing planting density Increasing plant density helps retain rainwater. C. Installing submeters Submeters help monitor and identify issues with irrigation. D. Using turfgrass for groundcover This is Correct Turfgrass requires large amounts of irrigation and would impact the project's ability to reduce outdoor water use.

What type of product should be selected for reducing indoor water use? A. WaterSense B. ASHRAE C. ISO D. Green-e

A. WaterSense This is correct. WaterSense is an EPA certification awarded to fixtures that use less water than comparable fixtures.

To help with water use reduction in LEED, a lavatory faucet must use less water than the rates set by: A. WaterSense B. Clean Water Act C. EPAct of 1992 D. Local code

A. WaterSense WaterSense is an EPA certification awarded to fixtures that use less water than comparable fixtures. LEED does not use this certification for the baseline rate calculations. B. Clean Water Act The Clean Water Act does not address flush/flow fixtures. C. EPAct of 1992 This is Correct. EPAct 1992 is the standard used to calculate baseline water usage, not the design case. EPAct 1992 mandated the use of water conserving plumbing fixtures in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. The answer choice of 'Installing fixtures that meet the EPAct 1992 standard' only meets the baseline standard and does not contribute to reducing potable water use for the purposes of earning LEED credits. The fixture and flow rates of EPAct 1992 are used to set the water use baseline for a building. The design case must reduce water use 20% over the baseline. In order to do this, low flow fixtures must be used in the design, or replacing potable water with graywater/rainwater. Think of the fixtures and flow rates of EPAct 1992 as the worst case scenario. D. Local code The rates of local codes are not used to set the baseline rate for water use reduction calculations.

The baseline water use of a urinal is: A. 2.2 gpm (8.3 lpm) B. 1.0 gpf (3.8 lpf) C. 2.2 gpf (8.3 lpf) D. 1.0 gpm (3.8 lpm)

B. 1.0 gpf (3.8 lpf) This is correct. 1.0 gallons per flush (gpf) (3.8 lpf) per the EPAct of 1992.

The baseline water use of a lavatory faucet is: A. 1.0 gpf (3.8 lpf) B. 2.2 gpm (8.3 lpm) C. 2.2 gpf (8.3 lpf) D. 1.0 gpm (3.8 lpm)

B. 2.2 gpm (8.3 lpm) This is correct. 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm) (8.3 lpm) per the EPAct of 1992.

An owner of a large 1970's apartment building wants to renovate the space to make it green. The cost of the replacing all of the porcelain plumbing fixtures is going to be cost-prohibitive for the owner. What can the project team suggest as an alternative to reduce potable water use? A. Install sub-meters B. Install new flush valves C. Install solar hot water heaters D. Install ENERGY STAR ovens and refrigerators

B. Install new flush valves This is correct.

WaterSense labels apply to what products? A. Toilets and Meters B. Lavatory faucets and Showerheads C. Meters and Showerheads D. Toilets and Washing Machines

B. Lavatory faucets and Showerheads This is Correct.

Water that is used for dishwashing, clothes washing, and ice making is considered what type of water? A. Blackwater B. Process water C. Recycled water D. Reclaimed water

B. Process water This is correct. Process water is 'water that is used for industrial processes and building systems, such as cooling towers, boilers, and chillers. It can also refer to water used in operational processes, such as dishwashing, clothes washing, and ice making.' - USGBC

What minimum indoor water savings are LEED projects required to achieve? A. 0% B. 10% C. 20% D. 15%

C. 20% This is correct. The Water Use Reduction prerequisite requires a 20% reduction of the design case compared to the baseline case.

If a project owner wants to create a landscape with plants that require watering, which of the following is the minimum outdoor water reduction from a baseline required for a new office project? A. 10% B. 20% C. 30% D. 40%

C. 30% This is Correct.

If a developer is looking for water efficient appliances to install in residences what label should they look for on the appliances? A. EPA Approved B. LEED Certified C. ENERGY STAR D. Green-e

C. ENERGY STAR This is Correct.

In LEED which approach is taken in the Water Efficiency category to conserve water? A. Using alternative sources of water first B. Using non-potable water first C. Efficiency first D. Treating and reusing wastewater on site

C. Efficiency first This is correct. For both energy efficiency and water efficiency, LEED requires an efficiency-first approach. Efficiency is 'doing the same with less'. After efficiency, the focus should then be placed on other ways to reduce demand. For example, with outdoor water irrigation, if the design only calls for using rainwater irrigation, that doesn't improve the efficiency of the irrigation system, resulting in less water use. First design the landscape to use less water, than look at ways to reuse water to further reduce demand. For building energy use, you can increase efficiency by using LED lighting, ENERGY STAR appliances and equipment, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and high-efficiency boilers.

Which of the following is NOT a strategy for reducing potable water use for irrigation? A. Only use grass for play fields or other activities that require turf B. Use treated wastewater C. Install building-level metering D. Install smart-sensor technology

C. Install building-level metering This is correct. Building level metering will track the whole building's water use but not allow a determination regarding whether the irrigation potable water use is being reduced. Irrigation water use would have to be tracked separately.

The baseline water use of a toilet is: A. 2.2 gpm (8.3 lpm) B. 1.6 gpm (6 lpm) C. 2.2 gpf (8.3 lpf) D. 1.6 gpf (6 lpf)

D. 1.6 gpf (6 lpf) This is correct. 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) (6 lpf) per the EPAct of 1992.

Which of the following occupants would be classified as an FTE? A. A full-time telecommuter B. A part-time salesman C. A museum visitor D. A full-time cafeteria worker

D. A full-time cafeteria worker This is correct. Another way of posing this question is to ask who is in the building full-time (40 hours per week)? A full-time equivalent (FTE) represents a regular building occupant in a project building. An FTE of 1.0 means that the person is equivalent to a full-time worker, while an FTE of 0.5 signals that the worker is only half-time. Transient occupants (visitors, guests), along with full-time equivalents, are used when calculating reductions in water usage and some alternative transportation credits.

Occupancy calculations may be needed for which of the following project documentation? A. HVAC Systems B. Water metering C. Surrounding density D. Bicycle facilities

D. Bicycle facilities This is correct. When calculating the number of bicycle storage units required for occupants and visitors the occupancy count is needed.

The installation of water submeters in a building will provide the facility manager with the ability to do each of the following EXCEPT: A. Track consumption B. Determine fixture performance C. Pinpoint leaks D. Evaluate the quality of captured rainwater

D. Evaluate the quality of captured rainwater This is correct. To determine the quality of the water, a water test would need to be done.

Who decides if water from showers can be used for irrigation? A. Project team B. USGBC via the CIR process C. Universal plumbing code D. Local authorities with jurisdiction in the area

D. Local authorities with jurisdiction in the area This is Correct. Blackwater does not have a single definition accepted nationwide. Adjacent cities may have different codes that allow or prohibit the use of sink/shower water for non-potable uses. On jurisdiction may define sink/shower water as blackwater and not permit its use, while another may define it as graywater and will permit its use. Review local codes before making design decisions based on the use of wastewater.

Indoor water use reductions require projections based on which of the following: A. The cost of potable water B. The number of fixtures installed C. The gross area of the building D. Occupants' usage

D. Occupants' usage This is correct. When calculating indoor water use baselines or design cases, the calculations are based on the number of occupants in the building using the fixtures (50 employees, 600 students, etc.).