We have a facility that has a well system for irrigation only. The water has been tested and is not suitable for drinking without shock treating the well. The facility is on a municipal supply. On the LEED V3 site it looks like we would qualify under the 100 percent non-potable route. Am I reading the credit correctly and does anyone know what the exact definition is of non-potable?
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Corinna Kester
Consultant, Sustainable Buildings and OperationsKEMA
51 thumbs up
March 7, 2010 - 7:33 pm
Jeff -
Unfortunately, I don't think your well system will comply with this credit under Option 4.
If you look at the intent of the credit, it says "To limit or eliminate the use of potable water or other natural surface or subsurface resources available on or near the project site for landscape irrigation." Your well system would certainly fall under "natural surface or subsurface resources available on or near the project site." This is further reinforced on the v2008 Template, as Option 4 requires you to certify that your irrigation system does not use "natural surface or subsurface water."
Unfortunately, nonpotable water is not clearly defined in the "Definitions" section of this credit, but p. 103 of the LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Operations and Maintenance describes it as "rainwater, graywater, or reclaimed water", and some examples are given in the text.