LEED Water Efficiency

The United States uses more than x billion gallons of water per day.

400

The operations of building, including landscaping, accounts for approximately x billion gallons per day-x% of total water use.

47, 12%

Guiding questions for a team to consider may include:

How much rain falls on the site per year, how will water be used on the site, and how can the amount be reduced, and what are the sources of graywater, such as from sinks and showers, that could be collected and reused for nonpotable uses, such as irrigation?

An “efficiency first” approach to water conservation may look like…

first looking at ways to use water efficiently and reduce potable water use, then consider the use of nonpotable water and alternative sources of water

Indoor use encompasses water for…

urinals, toilets, showers, kitchen or break room sinks, and other applications typical of occupied buildings.

Indoor water use can be reduced by…

installing water-efficient fittings and fixtures, using nonpotable water for flush functions, and installing submeters to track and log water use trends, check fixture performance, and identify problems.

Install Efficient Plumbing Fixtures (Strategies for Reducing Indoor Water Use)

INstall new high-efficiency fixtures, including high-efficiency lavatories, kitchen sinks and showers, dial-flush toilets, waterless urinals, and composting toilets. High-efficiency fixtures use less water than specified by the Engyer Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992. Select EPA WaterSense and ENERGY STAR products IN existing buildings, if porcelain replacement proves cost-prohibitive, install new flush valves or flow restrictors (e.g., aerators) to achieve water savings.

Use Nonpotable Water (Strategies for Reducing Indoor Water Use)

If permitted by the jurisdiction, use captured rainwater, graywater, or municipally-provided reclaimed water for flush fixtures. Design and install plumbing systems that can use captured rainwater or graywater in flush fixtures. Graywater use i not an option in all municipalities, so it is important to check regulations before planning to use this strategy.

Install Submeters (Strategies for Reducing Indoor Water Use)

Meter indoor water systems and monitor the data to track consumption trends, determine fixture performance, and pinpoint leaks.

Reductions in irrigation can be achieved by…

specifying water-wise landscaping and water-efficient irrigation technology, using nonpotable water, and installing submeters to track and log irrigation trends.

Xeriscaping is the use of…

drought-tolerant native or adapted plants along with rocks, bark mulch, and other landscape elements

High-performance irrigation systems…

such as drip systems and bubbler distribution systems, channel water directly to root system; weather-based irrigation controllers respond to weather conditions.

Choose Locally Adapted Plants (Strategies for Reducing Outdoor Water Use)

Landscape with native and adapted plants that require less water. These plantings have the added benefit of providing habitat for native wildlife.

Use Xeriscaping (Strategies for Reducing Outdoor Water Use)

These drought-tolerant plantings have extremely low water needs. Especially in arid regions, employ xeriscape principles when designing the sit landscape.

Select Efficient Irrigation Technologies (Strategies for Reducing Outdoor Water Use)

Drip and bubbler systems and weather-based controller can save water

Use Nonpotable Water (Strategies for Reducing Outdoor Water Use)

Captured rainwater, graywater, or municipal reclaimed water is suitable for irrigation

Install Submeters (Strategies for Reducing Outdoor Water Use)

Meter the irrigation system to track water consumption and identify leaks