Water Efficiency

What is the INDOOR prerequisite for water efficiency?

20% usage reduction

Water metering supports water management and identifies opportunities for additional water savings by tracking water consumption. What credits are available that supports this?

Credit - Install permanent submeter for 2+ of the following: 1. Irrigation water 2. Indoor plumbing fixtures and fittings 3. Domestic hot water 4. Boilers 5. Reclaimed water 6. Process water (80%+) - Humidification systems - Dishwashers - Clothes washers - Pools

What are some INDOOR strategies to reduce water consumption?

- Low flow fixtures - HET / Dual-Flush Toilets / Waterless Urinals / Compost • ENERGY STAR - standard for appliances - Use Recycled grey water for toilets or harvest rainwater

What are some OUTDOOR strategies to reduce water consumption?

1. Adaptive/Native Plants 2. Xeriscaping (100% no-potable) 3. Efficient Irrigation - Drip (90%) 4. Demand Meters 5. Non-potable irrigation

What is GPM vs GPF?

Flow rate of gallons per minute vs gallons per flush

How is process water used in cooling towers?

However, this water evaporates and unwanted dissolved solids build up and results in removal of this unwanted concentrated water (blowdown) to prevent inefficient scaling in the equipment. Makeup water must then be added to compensate for blowdown and evaporation.

What are the prerequisites for water metering in order to gain LEED credit?

Install permanent water meters that measure the total potable water use in and around the building and share with the USGBC for 5 years

Which type of water is permitted as an alternative water source for indoor water use?

Municipally supplied reclaimed water, greywater, rainwater, stormwater, condensate, foundation dewatering water, used process water, and reverse osmosis reject water

Looking at the economic side of the triple bottom line, what is the most significant savings that results from water efficiency?

Reduced maintenance costs. (A lot of energy is used to heat, cool, and distribute water within a building, with water heating in commercial buildings alone accounting for 15% of total energy use (CBECS). Reducing the quantity of water used (increasing efficiency) has a direct impact on the amount of energy used, and thus the total maintenance costs.)

How would a larger parking lot impact the Water Efficiency Category?

Reduced need for irrigation

What is evapotranspiration?

The process by which water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere by evaporation from the soil and other surfaces and by transpiration from plants. (evaporation and transpiration)

What is the intention of a water cooling tower?

They are part of a building's HVAC system, and assist with the air conditioning process by cooling water in a closed loop system through evaporative cooling and heat extraction.

What is the credit you can receive while using a water cooling tower?

This credit requires a one-time potable water analysis to determine the concentration of at least five dissolved solids and ensure maximums are not surpassed. For additional points a project can reduce the concentration levels in makeup water to achieve at least 10 cycles prior to blowdown or use 20% recycled nonpotable water to achieve the minimum of 10 cycles.

What is graywater?

Wastewater from showers, bathtubs, lavatories, and washing machines. This water has not come into contact with toilet waste according to the International Plumbing Code (IPC)

What is BLACKWATER?

Wastewater from toilets and urinals. Most jurisdictions consider water from kitchen sinks and dishwashers to be blackwater and it cannot be reused

What is potable water?

Water that meets or exceeds EPAs drinking water quality standards, and is approved for human consumption by state or local authorities having jurisdiction.

What is process water?

Water used for industrial processes and building systems such as cooling towers, boilers, and chillers. The term can also refer to water used in operational processes, such as dishwashing, clothes washing, and ice making.

What is WaterSense?

WaterSense is a partnership program sponsored the EPA, helping consumers identify water-efficient products, programs, and practices.

What is the OUTDOOR prerequisite for Water Efficiency in order to gain credit points?

You must reduce water use by 30%.

What is the EPAct of 1992?

covers many products and services related to energy. It also sets standards for toilets and other water fixtures in both commercial and residential models. • Conventional toilets: 1.6 gpf • Conventional urinals: 1.0 gpf • Conventional lavatory (bathroom) faucets: 2.2 gpm • Conventional kitchen faucets: 2.2 gpm • Conventional showerheads: 2.5 gpm