Water Efficiency Flashcards
Baseline Versus Design
The amount of water the design case conserves versus the baseline case. ALL LEED Water Efficiency credits use a baseline case against which the facility’s design case is compared. The baseline case represents the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPact 1992) flow and flush rate.
Blackwater
Wastewater from toilets and urinals: definitions vary and wastewater from kitchen sinks (perhaps differentiatd by the use of a garbage disposal), showers or bathtubs is considered blackwater under some state or local codes.
Cooling Tower
A structure that uses water to absorb heat fro air-conditioning systems and regulate air temperature in a facility.
Gallons per Flush (GPF)
The amount of water consumed by flush fixtures (water closets, or toilets and urinals). The baseline flush rate for water closets is 1.6 gpf, and for urinals, 1.0 gpf (EPAct 1992).
Gallons per minute (gpm)
The amount of water consumed by flow fixtures (lavatory faucets showerheads, aerators, sprinkler heads).
Graywater
Domestic wastewater composed of wash water from kitchen, bathroom and laundry sinks, tubs and washers. (EPA)
Irrigation Efficiency
The percentage of water delivered by irrigation equipment that is actually used for irrigation and does not evaporate, blow away or fall on hardscape. For example, overhead spray sprinklers have lower irrigation efficiencies (65%) THAN DRIP SYSTEMS (90%).
Harvested Rainwater
Precipitation captured and used for indoor needs, irrigation or both.
Potable Water
Water that meets or exceeds the EPA’s drinking water quality standards and is approved for human consumption by the state or local authorities having jurisdiction; it may be supplied from wells or municipal water systems.
Wastewater
The spent or used water from a home, community, farm or industry that contains dissolved or suspended matter.
