Designate a building exterior and hardscape manager, if you don’t already have one. This staff person should be able to facilitate communication between multiple vendors and ensure that their processes and methods complement one another.
Getting Started
Some wastewater treatment systems require trained personnel to operate them.
Train cleaning and operations staff to maintain atypical fixtures such as waterless urinals, composting toilets, and graywater collection and rainwater catchment systems.
If a submetering or ongoing monitoring system is in place, be sure to track and record monthly use. This can help detect problems, contribute to a comprehensive M&V plan, and help with LEED-EBOM certification.
Provide building managers with manuals for all water fixtures, water reuse technologies, onsite water treatment systems, and unconventional products used.
Apply for water-reduction incentives and rebates through your municipal water authorities.
When using an innovative wastewater treatment system unfamiliar to local regulatory officials, include them in regular construction inspections. This often helps to ease acceptance, and avoid unexpected objections or problems.
Be sure to use purple pipes or otherwise clearly label supply pipes carrying non-potable water. This practice avoids inadvertent cross-connection with potable water lines and provides educational value.
The contractor needs to verify that the correct fixtures have been purchased and that applicable water reuse or treatment systems have been installed properly.