This document discusses various strategies for conserving water in residential buildings. It covers strategies related to plumbing systems, fixtures, landscaping, and certification programs like LEED. Some key strategies mentioned include installing high-efficiency toilets and fixtures, insulating hot water pipes, using drought-tolerant landscaping, capturing rainwater for irrigation, and implementing greywater recycling systems. The document also provides an overview of points available in green building rating systems like LEED and Green Point Rating as they relate to water conservation.

1. So we have it…. Water Conservation

2. When We Need It

3. OBJECTIVES – Learn to work with owner and design team to use water efficiently Learn Green Guidelines and Practices Get familiar with LEED, Green Points & other criteria related to Water Efficiency

4. Home Water Usage Opportunities

5. Domestic Water Efficiency Distribute Hot Water Efficiently Insulate Water Heater Insulate Hot Water Pipes Install On Demand Circulation Pumps Locate Water Heater Within 12’ of Fixtures High Efficiency Toilets Water Efficient Fixtures No Plumbing Leaks

6. Distribute Domestic Hot Water Efficiently Locate Water Heater within 12 Feet of All Fixtures

7. Distribute Hot Water Efficiently Insulate Water Heaters

8. Insulate Accessible Hot Water Pipes Distribute Hot Water Efficiently

9. Distribute Hot Water Efficiently Install On-Demand Circulation Control Pumps

10. High Efficiency Toilets Dual-Flush or maximum 1.28GPF

14. Water Efficient Fixtures Toilets less than 1.28 gpf (use dual flush) Showers use max 2.0 gpm Faucets use max 1.5 gpm

15. Water Efficient Fixtures Water savings from low flow lavatory faucets, used for hand washing. Faucet aerators and laminar flow devices conserve water by restricting the water flow at the fixture outlet.

16. Showers High efficiency shower heads may reduce demand for hot water and reduce energy use for water heating by up to 20%.

17. Water Heater The water heater must be strapped.

18. Plumbing System Integrity and No Plumbing Leaks Conserve water and prevent damage from leakage Aspects of basic plumbing integrity include addressing plumbing leaks, the installation of water heaters and backflow devices. Unknown plumbing leaks can damage the home and promote bacterial growth and waste resources and money. Water heaters which are not strapped can result in significant damage in a seismic event.

19. Testing for Plumbing Leaks Verify there are no leaks between the meter main at the street and the main shut off at the home.

20. Visibly Examine the Plumbing System for Overall Integrity Look for small leaks and water stains that indicate current not historic issues throughout house. Look for excessive corrosion on pipes that would constitute a leak or potential leak. Conduct a toilet tank dye test. Check the irrigation system for missing heads or other system leaks.

21. SITE DESIGN & WATER CONSERVATION REVIEW

23. Impervious Surfaces

24. Pervious Paving

25. Bioswales

27. Permeable paving

28. Permeable paving

29. RESOURCE - EFFICIENT LANDSCAPES Shade Trees Planted Non Invasive Species No Species Require Shearing Drought-tolerant Species Minimal Turf Areas Plants Grouped by Water Needs (Hydronizing)

30. Shade Trees

31. Drought-tolerant landscaping

32. Landscaping….. 30-60% of an average home’s fresh water is used for watering the yard. Good Practices: High-efficiency Irrigation Systems Drip, Bubblers or Low-flow Sprinklers

33. This…… Not this…..

34. Other Good Landscaping Practices: Mulch All Planting Beds Soil Amended with Compost Rainwater Harvesting Greywater Systems

35. Mulching

36. Water Catchment Filter

37. Rainwater Harvesting

38. Domestic Water Use

39. Greywater Systems

40. Greywater Systems

41. Benefits of Greywater Recycling For Irrigation Reduce fresh water use - When the weather is warm, about half of the water consumed by the average household in North America is for outdoor use. Capturing the indoor greywater for use outdoors can cut water usage in half. Reduce strain on septic system or treatment plant - Greywater makes up the majority of the household wastewater stream, so diverting it from the septic system extends the life and capacity of the system. For municipal systems, decreased input means more effective treatment coupled with cost savings. Develop otherwise unsuitable real estate - A greywater recycling system, along with the use of composting toilets, can enable the development of property that is unsuitable for a septic system. Groundwater Recharge - Greywater recycling for irrigation replenishes groundwater, helping the natural hydrologic cycle to keep functioning.

42. Plant growth - Greywater can support plant growth in areas that might otherwise not have enough water. Maintain soil fertility - The nutrients in the greywater are broken down by bacteria in the soil and made available to plants. This helps to maintain soil fertility. Enhance water quality - The quality of groundwater and surface waters are much better preserved by the natural purification processes the greywater undergoes in the top layers of the soil than by any engineered water treatment. Satisfaction - The greywater user gets the satisfaction of direct participation in the responsible management of global nutrient and water cycles.

44. Flow-Through Planters

45. Other Good Landscaping Practices Fire-Safe Landscaping Techniques Use Environmentally-preferable Materials Compost and Recycle Trimmings on Site Minimize Light Pollution

46. Green Rating Systems and Water Conservation

47. Total Possible Points – LEED NC LEED Category Prerequisites Possible Points Sustainable Sites (SS) 1 14 Water Efficiency (WE) 0 5 Energy & Atmosphere (EA) 3 17 Materials & Resources (MR) 1 13 Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) 2 15 Innovation in Design (ID) 0 5 Total 69

48. LEED for HOMES: Water Efficiency - 5 points All Design-based Points - No Prerequisites

49. Green Point Rating: Minimum 50 points Required Consumer label, tied to independent field verification California grown & community based Ratings reflect practices ABOVE code in CA Plug-and-play resources for local govt. policies & incentives Quantifies environmental benefits Green building market value Complementary to LEED for Homes

50. Green Point Rated Single Family Checklist Category Minimum Required Possible Points Community 0 4 Energy 30 108 Indoor Air Quality – IAQ 5 45 Resources 6 66 Water 9 47 Innovative 0 20 Total 50 290

51. Green Points for Water Conservation Landscaping- 27 possible points Plumbing - 12 Appliances - 5 Site - 2 Other - 1

52. REMEMBER………. The point is not about getting points . It’s about doing the right thing !

53. Conserving Water Makes Sense

54. Every Drop Matters