See all forum discussions about NC-2009 WEc1
 Subscribe to new posts about NC-2009 WEc1 Post a new question aboutNC-2009 WEc1
See LEEDuser’s guidance on NC-2009 WEc1»
FAQs about WEc1 :

Can non-potable well water that is used for irrigation contribute to potable water reduction?

Can surface water, such as water from an irrigation ditch or a local creek, be used as nonpotable water?

Do interior planters count in the calculation?

We are using non-potable water for irrigation. For drought conditions, can we hook up to a potable water source for backup and still earn this credit?

View answers »

Forum discussion

NC-2009 WEc1:Water Efficient Landscaping

Irrigation during drought conditions

Default Avatar
Lauren Ford
Lauren Perry Ford LLC
LEEDuser Basic Member
45 thumbs up

Our project has limited turf areas that will require irrigation. We have a small irrigation system supplied by a rainwater cistern sized to provide required volume per LEED requirements. However, under drought conditions, the owner would like to be able to add potable water to the cistern if necessary. I have recommended a hose bibb intake for such conditions as LEED does not consider a hose bibb part of a permanent system. However, the owner has asked if we could instead install an emergency valve to connect to potable water supply to fill the cistern only under drought conditions. My gut is to stick with the hose bibb. Thoughts?

5
Post a reply

You rely on LEEDuser. Can we rely on you?

LEEDuser is supported by our premium members, not by advertisers.

Go premium for $15.95  »

Profile picture for user sgeithner
Susann Geithner
Principal
Emerald Built Environments
LEEDuser Basic Member
900 thumbs up

Fri, 07/22/2011 - 20:02

The footnote for option 2 gives you the possibility to by pass the additional requirements. So if you are reducing the potable water by 100% compared to midsummer baseline case and your total water consumption by 50% than you earned this credit. So as long as your rainwater cistern is large enough and you have enough rainwater to meet the 100% reduction per baseline, you should be fine. I think your will be able to have the backup connection for long droughts to your regular system. But I would check the CIRs to be sure. Thought judging from the intent of the credit it makes more sense to allow the use of your irrigation system, which is probably better than a hose and wastes less water.
Default Avatar
Jenny Heim
office for local architecture
LEEDuser Basic Member
0 thumbs up

Thu, 11/01/2012 - 17:32

Lauren, I've had a similar question come up on a project. Which route did you end up taking and how did it turn out?

Add new comment

To post a comment, you need to register for a LEEDuser Basic membership (free) or login to your existing profile.