Forum discussion
NC-2009 WEp1: Water Use Reduction—20% Reduction
Hello.
In our LEED Project, the water used for Urinals and WC is recovered of the subsoil (freatics water). So, in Water Use Reduction Calculator, i have indicated the total non-potable water supply to rest of Annual design water consumption.
In preliminary review, the reviewer ask us if the recovered water is used only for WC and Urinals or if this water has other purposes.
Is possible to achive compliance with this strategy?
Thanks
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Charles Nepps
NH Green Consulting97 thumbs up
February 13, 2017 - 12:01 pm
One of the goals of water reduction is to decrease the demand on local water supplies including aquifers (Phreatic water). I'm guessing the Reviewer wants to know if the phreatic water is used as part of the domestic water supply in your region, if so, it would not count as an offset for this credit.
VICTOR MORENO
Green Building Energy ConsultantGreen Living Projects
2 thumbs up
February 13, 2017 - 12:24 pm
Thank you Charles.
In my region phreatic water does not used for domestic water. This systems was designed for the project to reduced the water supply for municipal water supply.
If I answer to reviewer that the water is only for domestic water supply, he can understand that this design is normal for our community?
Thanks
Charles Nepps
NH Green Consulting97 thumbs up
February 13, 2017 - 2:14 pm
It's difficult to say. If I understand you correctly, your project has drilled a well onsite to reduce the municipal water consumption. Despite the fact that aquifers are not the primary source of water in the region, it could still be problematic if enough developers started to tap into them for the same reason. Would it be possible for you to post the exact wording of the reviewer's comment?
VICTOR MORENO
Green Building Energy ConsultantGreen Living Projects
2 thumbs up
February 14, 2017 - 7:06 am
Hi, the reviewer´s comment is: "It is not clear that the sub-soil groundwater is an acceptable source of nonpotable water. Provide a detailed narrative, at a minimum, to describe how the water is collected, and to clarify whether the water is collected for the sole purpose of supplying water to the domestic water fixtures, or if the collection of the water is necessary for other reasons. See the Water Use Reduction Additional Guidance, updated October 17, 2016, for additional guidance on acceptable sources of nonpotable water for this prerequisite." The Water Use Reduction Additional Guidance 10-17-2016 v9_0 indicate: "Sources of non-potable water that do not apply to the Water Efficiency credits include water discharged from an open loop geothermal system as indicated in LI 2545, untreated water sourced from naturally occurring surface water bodies, such as streams, rivers, and lakes, and well water as indicated in LI 10013 and LI 456." Our project treat the water (Chlorination) of the wells before using to toilets and urinals. Is this an allowable casuistry for LEED? Thanks
Charles Nepps
NH Green Consulting97 thumbs up
February 14, 2017 - 10:32 am
I think the key comment is: "clarify whether the water is collected for the sole purpose of supplying water to the domestic water fixtures, or if the collection of the water is necessary for other reasons."
So, for example, if you were recovering ground water that was being pumped to keep the buildings basement dry (dewatering water), to use for flush fixtures, that would be ok, but if you drill wells specifically to supply water to the flush fixtures, that would not be acceptable. The response to LI 10013 states ground water "does not meet the intent of the WE credits. Although the local groundwater may not be suitable for drinking straight out of the ground, it still represents an important source of potable water. Applicable internationally."