Reclaimed water

Hi Alexa,

It is not required to submeter reclaimed water that is utilized for irrigation. However, if you are claiming the use of alternative water in the calculations, you will need to provide proof supporting this amount. LEED states that they need to see calculations or other supporting documentation to confirm any use of alternative/reclaimed water. This documentation could be meter readings if the reclaimed water is submetered. Submetering the reclaimed water will ensure your numbers are the most accurate, just know that you will probably need at least a years worth of data to establish a good baseline. The reference guide also provides calculations if you are collecting rainwater. If you happen to be collecting water from other sources (cooling tower blowdown, condensate, other sources), you will need to provide your own calculations that can backup what you are claiming in the calculator.

Hopefully this helps you out a little bit. Depending on what kind of reclaimed water system you have in place, you have a couple options when it comes to claiming this reduction in the calculations.

I would say a year's worth of irrigation numbers at a minimum, but three years would be ideal.