Implementing

Indoor Water
Use Reduction

Photo: Moen
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Learning Objectives

• Examine the benefits of indoor water use reduction

• Explain the associated concepts
• Select appropriate indoor water reduction
technologies and strategies
• Calculate the reduction in water consumption needed
for LEED projects
 Typical Domestic Daily
per Capita Water Use
Gallons % of
Use per Capita Daily
Total
Potable indoor uses
Showers 11.6 7.0%
Dishwashers 1.0 0.6%
Baths 1.2 0.8%
Faucets 10.9 6.6%
Other uses, leaks 11.1 6.7%
Subtotal 35.8 21.7%
Non-potable indoor uses
Clothes washers 15.0 9.1%
Toilets 18.5 11.2%
Subtotal 33.5 20.3%
Outdoor uses 95.7 58.0%
Source: American Waterworks Association Research Foundation
 Average # Gallons Gallons Very Gallons Gallons
uses per Typical per per year per per year
Fixture high
fixture
day per (gal or min)** person family efficiency person family of
person* per day of 4 fixture per day 4
(gal or min)
Toilet 4 1.6 gpf 6.4 9,344 1.1 gpf 5.2 7,592
Lavatory 2.2 gpm 1.5 gpm
faucet 5 0.5 min 5.5 8,030 0.5 min 3.75 5,475
2.5 gpm 1.75 gpm
Shower 1 6.3 min 15.75 22,995 6.4 min 12.6 18,396
Clothes 7 per
washer wk 55 gal* 20,020 (25 gal) 9,125
Family*
Total 60,389 42,413

*Source: http://www.csgnetowrk.com/waterusagecalc.html

**Source: EPAct 1992; http://www.epa.gov/watersence/docs/matrix508.pdf

How much water
do you use on a
daily basis
definitions:
gpf = gallons per flush
gpm = gallons per minute
psi = pounds per square inch
lpf = liters per flush
lpm = liters per minute
kPa = kilopascals

Blackwater
HET’s
Graywater
On-site wastewater management
Potable water
Stormwater
Tertiary Treatment
Wastewater
Profit

Operating Costs

Stabilizes municipal taxes and water fees =

Savings potential

ROI
Planet

Withdrawals from natural resources

Resources for local municipalities

Chemical use to treat water

GHG and pollution

People

Healthier environment

Shift tax dollars to other projects

Protect resources for future generations
LEED for
New
Construction
Water Efficiency Category
Indoor Water Use
Reduction
Prerequisite/Credit

Rating System Points

NC 2-4
CS 2-4
Schools 2-4
Data Centers 2-4
Warehouses 2-4
Hospitality 2-4
Retail 2-4
Healthcare 2-4
Prerequisite: Water
Efficiency
Requirements

20%
Reduce aggregate water
consumption for fixtures and
fittings by 20% from the
baseline.
(Base calculations on the volumes and
flow rates are shown in the following
table.)
Baseline Water Consumption of Fixtures and Fittings
Baseline Baseline
Fixtures and Fittings (imperial (Metric Units)
units)
Toilets (water closets) 1.6 gpf 6 lpf
Urinals 1.0 gpf 3.8 lpf
0.5 gpm at 60 psi** 1.9 lpm at 415 kPa,
Public lavatory (restroom) all others except all others except
faucets private applications private applications
Private lavatory faucets 2.2 gpm at 60 psi 8.3 lpm at 415 kPa

Kitchen faucet (excluding

faucets used exclusively
for filling operations) 2.2 gpm at 60 psi 8.3 lpm at 415 kPa

2.5 gpm at 80 psi per 9.5 lpm at 550 kPa per

Showerhead shower stall shower stall
Prerequisite: Water Efficiency
Implementation

Install flow restrictors or reduced flow aerators

Install automatic faucet sensors
Maintain metering controls
Install low-flow or no-flow fixtures
Evaluate and analyze site specific water conditions
Refer to EPA WaterSense to identify water-efficient products and appliances
Credit: Water Efficiency
Requirements

Percent
Points
Reduction

30% 2
35% 3
40% 4
LEED for
LEED for
Existing
Commercial
Buildings
Interiors

Water Efficiency
LT CREDIT: BICYCLE Category
Indoor
NETWORK,Plumbing
STORAGEFixture
AND
and FittingROOMS
SHOWER Efficiency
Prerequisite/Credit
1 Point

Rating System Points

Existing Buildings 1-5
Prerequisite: Indoor Plumbing Fixture and Fitting Efficiency
Requirements for Establishment Period

Indoor potable water use doesn’t exceed LEED baseline

Baseline: 100% of the building’s indoor plumbing fixtures and fittings meet the
baseline flush and flow rates

Fixtures / Fittings: Water closets, urinals, showerheads, faucets, faucet

replacement aerators & metering faucets

For a plumbing system substantially OR For a plumbing system

substantially completed in 1994 or later throughout completed
before 1994 throughout the building, the baseline is 120% of the
building, the baseline is 160% of the water use that would result if all the
water use that would result if all fixtures met the code requirements
fixtures met the code requirements
Baseline Water Consumption of Fixtures and Fittings
Baseline Baseline
Fixtures and Fittings (imperial (Metric Units)
units)
Toilets (water closets) 1.6 gpf 6 lpf
Urinals 1.0 gpf 3.8 lpf
0.5 gpm at 60 psi** 1.9 lpm at 415 kPa,
Public lavatory (restroom) all others except all others except
faucets private applications private applications
Private lavatory faucets 2.2 gpm at 60 psi 8.3 lpm at 415 kPa

Kitchen faucet (excluding

faucets used exclusively
for filling operations) 2.2 gpm at 60 psi 8.3 lpm at 415 kPa

2.5 gpm at 80 psi per 9.5 lpm at 550 kPa per

Showerhead shower stall shower stall
Credit: Indoor Plumbing Fixture and Fitting Efficiency
Requirements for Performance Period

Percent
Points
Reduction

10% 1
15% 2
20% 3
25% 4
30% 5
Credit: Indoor Plumbing Fixture and Fitting Efficiency
Implementation

Measure Retrofit
Identify areas Where appropriate
for
improvement
Credit: Indoor Plumbing Fixture and Fitting Efficiency
Implementation

0.5 gpm
public restrooms

1.8 gpm
moderate hand washing

2.2 gpm
heavy hand washing
(medical, culinary)
LEED for
Neighborhood
Development
Green Infrastructure and
Buildings
Prerequisite/Credit Building
Water Efficiency

Rating System Points

ND Plan 1
ND 1
Prerequisite: Building Water Efficiency

20%
For new buildings and buildings
undergoing major renovations
as part of the project, reduce
indoor water usage by an
average of 20% from a baseline.

Applies to Nonresidential Buildings, Mixed-Use Buildings, and Multifamily

Residential Buildings Four Stories or More.
Prerequisite: Building Water Efficiency

90%
of buildings must use a
combination of fixtures and fittings
that would earn 3 points under
LEED for Homes 2008 WE Credit
Indoor Water Use.

Applies to Nonresidential Buildings, Mixed-Use Buildings, and Multifamily

Residential Buildings Three Stories or Fewer.
Baseline Water Consumption of Fixtures and Fittings
Baseline Baseline
Fixtures and Fittings (imperial (Metric Units)
units)
Toilets (water closets) 1.6 gpf 6 lpf
Urinals 1.0 gpf 3.8 lpf
0.5 gpm at 60 psi** 1.9 lpm at 415 kPa,
Public lavatory (restroom) all others except all others except
faucets private applications private applications
Private lavatory faucets 2.2 gpm at 60 psi 8.3 lpm at 415 kPa

Kitchen faucet (excluding

faucets used exclusively
for filling operations) 2.2 gpm at 60 psi 8.3 lpm at 415 kPa

2.5 gpm at 80 psi per 9.5 lpm at 550 kPa per

Showerhead shower stall shower stall
Credit: Building Water Efficiency
40%
improvement over baseline
for new buildings and major
renovations.
90%
of buildings must use a
combination of fixtures and
fittings that would earn 5 points
under LEED for Homes 2008 WE
Credit Indoor Water Use.
LEED for
Commercial Interiors
WE PREREQUISITE/ CREDIT:
INDOOR WATER USE
REDUCTION

Rating System Points

Commercial Interiors 6-11
Hospitality 6-11
Retail 6-11

Prerequisite: Water

20%
Efficiency
Requirements
Reduce aggregate water
consumption for fixtures and
fittings by 20% from the
baseline.
Credit: Water Efficiency
Requirements

Percent
Points
Reduction

30% 4
35% 8
40% 11
LEED for Homes
WE CREDIT:
INDOOR WATER
USE

Rating System Points

Homes 1-6
Midrise 1-6
Credit: Indoor Water Use
Requirements – Prescriptive Path

High-Efficiency Fixtures and Fittings

1 point each, maximum 3 points

Install high-efficiency fixtures or fittings.:

a) The average flow rate for all lavatory faucets must be ≤ 2.0 gpm.
b) The average flow rate for all showers must be ≤ 2.0 gpm per stall.
c) The average flow rate for all toilets must be ≤ 1.3
gpf OR toilets must be dual-flush
OR toilets must meet WaterSense labeled
Credit: Indoor Water Use
Requirements – Prescriptive Path

Very High-Efficiency Fixtures and Fittings

2 points each, maximum 6 points

Install high-efficiency fixtures or fittings.:

a) The average flow rate for all lavatory faucets must be ≤ 1.5
gpm OR WaterSense labeled.
b) The average flow rate for all showers must be ≤ 1.75 gpm per stall.
c) The average flow rate for all toilets must be ≤ 1.1 gpf
Credit: Indoor Water Use
Implementation – Prescriptive Path

Document the fixtures and fittings installed

meet the prescriptive requirements
1992: Fixture / Fitting Maximum Rate
Showerheads 2.5 gpm
Faucets 2.5 gpm
Toilets 1.6 gpm
Calculated 5 year ROI for High Efficiency Toileo
Based at current national water rates per toilet replaced with HET toilet
”All calculations from EPA and WaterSense and assumes local rebate and DC membership

2.6 Pemon 3 Pemon 4 Pemon 5 Pemon

NATIONALAVERAGE

$540 $620 $830 ,000

NATIONALAVERAGE

$108 per year $124 per year $166 per year $200 per year
63% less water 63% less water 63% less water 63% less water
100% in 4.2 years 100% in 3.6 years 100% in 2.7 years 100% in 2.2 years
1.1-1.2 gpf
Average for pressure assisted HETs.
1.1-1.28 gpf
Average for single flush gravity flow HETs.
Dual Flush Toilets
Can reduce water by 67%
Benefits
$0 water/sewer 40,000 gallons x 100 urinals
= 4 million gallons
$0 valve $75 x 100 urinals = $7,500
maintenance
Eliminates Fewer restroom disruptions
emergencies
Reduces Faster to clean
custodial costs Reduction in use of cleaning supplies
LEED Points 5
Water Savings 15,000 – 45,000 gallons saved annually
Energy Savings No water treatment required
Water Pollution Reduction No deodorizer blocks
Lower Costs Fast payback
Improved Sanitation Absences of water eliminates some bacteria
Less Odor Waste traps have seals
Lower Maintenance No moving parts
Aesthetically Pleasing No visible plumbing
Composting
Toilet
 Ventilation
pipe
Adjuetable
thermostat
Seat switch
Fan motor For mixer motor
Mixer motor

Compost cover

Float Mixer arms

Tray for humus

What kind of
low-flow
fixtures have
you seen
lately
Low-Flow
Aerators
Spending $1-$4 on water-saving
aerators can lead to over $100
in savings in the first year
alone.
 Choose faucets
with water-waving aerators and save
over 14,700 gallons of water each
year.

Gallons per Likely if your Savings in gallons

minute (gpm) home was built… per year (gpy)

3.0 Pre 1980 0

2.75 1980 to 1993 2,900 gpy from 3.0 gpm

2.2 1994 to the present 5,900 gpy from 3.0 gpm

2,900 gpy from 2.75 gpm

1.5 Present 17,700 gpy from 3.0 gpm

14,700 gpy from 2.75 gpm
11,800 gpy from 2.2 gpm
How can you tell if The rated flow of
you have low-flow your existing aerator
aerators or not? is imprinted on the
side.
Where can you find
low-flow aerators?
Most bathroom low-flow
aerators cost around $1
to
$3, and one for the kitchen
is around $3 to $4.
70%
Savings from
automatic
faucets
Low-Flow Showerheads

Quality, low-flow fixtures

that cost$10-$20
can achieve water savings

of 25%-60%
 Water-Conserving Showerheads
can save over 7,700 gallons of water each year.

Gallons per Likely if your Savings in gallons

Minute (gpm) Home was built… Per year (gpy)
5.0 Pre 1980 0

2.75 1980 to 1993 17,400 gpy from 5.0 gpm

2.5 1994 to the 19,300 gpy from 5.0 gpm

present 1,900 gpy from 2.75 gpm
1.75 Present 25,100 gpy from 5.0 gpm
7,700 gpy from 2.75 gpm
5,800 gpy from 2.5 gpm
Perform as well or better than their less efficient counterparts.

Are 20 percent more water efficient.

Realize water savings on a national level.

Provide measurable water savings results.

Achieve water efficiency through several technology options.

Are effectively differentiated by the WaterSense label.

Obtain independent, third-party certification.

Appliance Water Use Reduction
50%
Less water per load

$60
to run each year
 32 billion
Gallons of water that could be saved each year in the
U.S. if every clothes washer earned ENERGY STAR.
Smart meters
provide valuable
information about
utility usage in
real-time.
Smart meters
revealed that 30%
of households had
leaks that lasted
24 hours or more.
submetering:
noun.
The implementation of a system that
allows a landlord, property
management firm, condominium
association, homeowners association,
or other multi-tenant property to
measure individual utility usage.
Advanced Metering Submetering
Data at hour- Data at near-
or minute-long continuous time
intervals at a full resolution
building scale at a sub-building scale
Submetering Insights
Timing What’s Happening
Daily, weekly, or seasonal Occupant behavior.
O&M issues.

Performance Verification
Irrigation, HVAC, lighting Are the systems performing as
intended.
Rainwater Harvesting

Photo: SmithGroupJJR
 Stormwater Reuse

$0.12-$0.50 $2.00-$5.00
Cost per thousand gallons Cost per thousand gallons
for stormwater use for potable water
Can you think of
any places near
you that have
installed a
rainwater
harvesting system?
grey • water
noun.
1. untreated household waste water which
has not come into contact with toilet
waste. Greywater includes used water
from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash
basins, and water from clothes-washer and
laundry tubs. It must not include waste
water from kitchen sinks or dishwashers.
-Uniform Plumbing Code
Photo: Clivus Multrum
Greywater laws vary.
Have you
seen recycled
water being
used?
Photo: City of Lancaster
Sustainable Wastewater Management
1 Water Reuse

2 Treat wastewater onsite

to tertiary standards
 Wastewater Treatment

Off-site
ks, aerated systems, recirculated sand filters, and-mound
Centralizedsystems.
treatment plant for village, city or town.
Loca COÓes
CLEAN WATER.
ACT NOW.
 Executive Order (E.O.) 13423
Requires federal agencies to implement water-efficiency
measures, including the purchase, installation, and
implementation of water-efficient products and practices.

Purchase Use certified Incorporate Purchase FEMP

WaterSense Watersense BMPs into facility designated
labeled products contractors operations energy efficient
products.
Bank of
America Tower
LEED Rating: LEED NC Platinum
Location: New York City,
NY Year: 2008

-Rooftop Rainwater
-Indoor Reservoir
-Low-Flow Toilets
-Waterless Urinals
-Automated Faucets
-Groundwater cooling

2.3 mmgpy savings from stormwater

0.9 mmgpy from cooling coil reuse
2.6 mmgpy from steam condensate
1.1. mmgpy from lavatories
3.4 mmgpy from waterless urinals

$60,000 a year savings

Proximity Hotel
LEED Rating: LEED Platinum

Location: Greensboro,
NC Year Constructed:
2007 AAA four star
hotel

Water usage has been reduced by

33% by installing high-efficiency
Kohler plumbing fixtures, saving
two million gallons of water the first
year.
Dockside Green
LEED Rating: LEED NC
Platinum Vancouver, British
Columbia

100% onsite waste water

treatment 60% water use

reduction

70 million gallons of water saved/year

Dolphin Stadium
Location: Miami, Florida

900 waterless urinals

160 uses each per

game

40,000 gallons of water each

year saved per urinal
Hike Inn
LEED Rating: LEED EB
Gold Location: Dawsonville,
GA

200,000 gallons of water saved each

year
Mansell Overlook
Location: Roswell,
Georgia LEED Gold

6-Story – 167,000 SF Multi-Tenant

Office Building.

Simple retrofits for flush

valves Low-flow water

closets

Aerators in public lavatories,

kitchen sinks

Low-flow showers.
Green Relief Valve
‘drop-in’ kit for urinals
12 total
1.0 GPF to 0.5 GPF
retrofit/conversion < 30 minutes
Aerators
0.5 gpm aerators on all
faucets Even break rooms
46 total
5 points for WE category
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Implementing
Indoor Water
Use Reduction

Thank you
for
participating!
Photo: Moen