See all forum discussions about NC-2009 WEp1
 Subscribe to new posts about NC-2009 WEp1 Post a new question aboutNC-2009 WEp1
See LEEDuser’s guidance on NC-2009 WEp1»
FAQs about WEp1 :

Can I include process water savings in order to earn an Exemplary Performance point?

Will the reviewers accept a spreadsheet as a plumbing fixture schedule in lieu of the plans from the Construction Documents?

In LEED review comments I've been referred to the Water Use Reduction Additional Guidance document. I didn't know this was a required reference document.

Should I include bar sinks? What about mop sinks or janitor sinks? Swimming pools? Safety showers? Bidets? Tub spouts?

We provided new showers in our project to comply with the alternative transportation credit. Should they be considered in WEp1 calculations?

Can you explain the 12-second duration for metering faucets?

Can I use a nonpotable water source to contribute to WEp1 compliance?

Our project does not have any eligible water fixtures in the project boundary. Can we comply with WEp1?

We are having trouble finding EPAct-compliant fixtures. Is that a problem?

Where can I find a clear meaning of "public" and "private" as relevant to lavatory faucets?

Our project is a factory with historically a 95% male workforce. The restroom design accounts for this. Can I argue that the male/female gender ratio is different than 50/50?

Are shower duration controls an acceptable water-saving strategy?

View answers »

Forum discussion

NC-2009 WEp1:Water Use Reduction—20% Reduction

Water pressure 60psi for a single floor building??

Hi folks, This prerequisite says that the baseline water flow for lavotory and showerheads should be measured at 60psi and 80psi respectively. However, this pressure is far to high for a ground floor building, which is the case of our project. In Brazil water pressure is measured in MCA (meters of water column). 60psi is equivalent to 40mca, and 40mca means the situation for a 10 floor building. Definitely not our case. We have a single floor building, so the correct water pressure to adopt for water calculations is 4mca (one floor is approximately 4 meters high). Adopting 40mca/60psi as the water pressure will critically jeopardize the real water savings we are having. So we are thinking of just considering the flow rate at 4mca in the LEED online template. Anyone with a similar problem? Do you think this is a situation we can justify? Thanks!

0
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  »

Mon, 08/27/2012 - 16:42

The 60 and 80 psi references relate to the testing protocol for flow fixtures. Faucets and showerheads are tested at these pressures to confirm that they meet the applicable flow rate limits. These reference pressures should not be construed as requirements for water pressure in project buildings. LEED Interpretation 829 describes a project-specific testing approach that you might consider if you want to incorporate lower flows at lower pressure into your WEp1 / WEc3 calculations. Note that you would need to test baseline and design fittings and fixtures at the reduced pressure. You may not compare design fittings and fixtures at lower pressure to baseline fittings and fixtures at the stipulated higher pressure. I would guess that you will end up at about the same place, after doing a lot of testing.

Add new comment

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