Week 3: Water✅ Flashcards
What does the WELL Water concept aim to address?
WATER > General
The WELL Water concept aims to increase the rate of adequate hydration in building users, reduce health risks due to contaminated water and excessive moisture within buildings, and provide adequate sanitation through better infrastructure design and operations coupled with awareness and maintenance of water quality.
This information comes from Page 46 of the WELL V2
What role does water play in the human body?
WATER > General
Water is a major component of cells and the dominant component of fluid between the cells. It serves as the medium for nutrient and waste transport throughout the body and helps to regulate internal body temperature.
This information comes from Page 46 of the WELL V2
What are the recommended daily water intake values for adults?
WATER > General
Depending on age, sex, and pregnancy status, guidelines recommend daily water intake values between 49-125 oz for adults, which include water in foods as well as direct consumption.
This information comes from Page 46 of the WELL V2
What is one contributing factor to inadequate hydration?
WATER > General
One contributing factor to inadequate hydration is the real or perceived quality of drinking water, as people who mistrust the safety of their water can be more likely to have lower intake of water and higher intake of sugar-sweetened beverages.
This information comes from Page 46 of the WELL V2
What are some risks associated with water contamination?
WATER > General
Risks associated with water contamination include impairments to oxygen transport in infants from high nitrate levels, neurodevelopmental impairments in children from lead exposure, and potential correlations with reproductive disease and cancer from disinfection byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs).
This information comes from Page 46 of the WELL V2
What is emphasized as a key aspect in building design to mitigate risks associated with water?
WATER > General
Careful building design that integrates responsive operations and allows for easy and meaningful means of inspection is emphasized to mitigate risks associated with water, such as mold growth from water contacting building materials not intended to get wet.
This information comes from Page 46 of the WELL V2
What parameters are used to verify the quality of water for human contact?
W01 WATER QUALITY INDICATORS | Precondition
The quality of water for human contact is verified through on-site tests, focusing on thresholds for turbidity and coliforms.
Coliform bacteria are indicators of possible fecal contamination, while turbidity measures water cloudiness, which can affect microbial growth and the efficacy of water treatment technologies.
This information comes from Page 48 of the WELL V2
What solutions are recommended to address water quality concerns related to turbidity and coliforms?
W01 WATER QUALITY INDICATORS | Precondition
Water filtration can reduce turbidity and may also trap bacteria and contaminants. Additionally, if water has low turbidity, disinfection at the point of use with ultraviolet (UV) light may effectively kill coliforms and pathogenic microbes.
This information comes from Page 48 of the WELL V2
What thresholds must water meet for human contact?
Part 1 of W01 | Verify Water Quality Indicators
W01 WATER QUALITY INDICATORS | Precondition
Water intended for human contact must have turbidity less than or equal to 1.0 NTU, FTU, or FNU and coliforms not detected in any 100 ml sample.
This information comes from Page 48 of the WELL V2
Part 1 of W01 | Verify Water Quality Indicators
W01 WATER QUALITY INDICATORS | Precondition
This information comes from Page 48 of the WELL V2
Are there any exceptions for multifamily residential projects regarding water testing?
Part 1 of W01 | Verify Water Quality Indicators
W01 WATER QUALITY INDICATORS | Precondition
Yes, multifamily residential projects may achieve WELL Certification at the Bronze or Silver level without testing in dwelling units, but they cannot achieve Gold or Platinum without testing in dwelling units.
This information comes from Page 48 of the WELL V2
Part 1 of W01 | Verify Water Quality Indicators
W01 WATER QUALITY INDICATORS | Precondition
This information comes from Page 48 of the WELL V2
What does the W02 require regarding drinking water chemical composition?
W02 DRINKING WATER QUALITY | PRECONDITION
The WELL feature requires projects to provide drinking water that meets thresholds on chemicals as published by research and regulatory organizations.
This information comes from Page 50-52 of the WELL V2
Why does the quality of drinking water vary?
W02 DRINKING WATER QUALITY | PRECONDITION
The quality of drinking water varies due to highly variable conditions of its sourcing, treatment, and distribution within cities and inside buildings.
This information comes from Page 50-52 of the WELL V2
What are some common contaminants and their sources in drinking water?
W02 DRINKING WATER QUALITY | PRECONDITION
Common contaminants in drinking water include arsenic from natural deposits, contaminants from agricultural runoffs, industrial discharges, and corrosion byproducts like lead and copper.
This information comes from Page 50-52 of the WELL V2
What solutions are suggested for improving the quality of drinking water?
W02 DRINKING WATER QUALITY | PRECONDITION
Solutions for improving drinking water quality include using activated carbon filters, ion exchange resins, and reverse osmosis (RO) systems. Evaluating chemical parameters like pH and free chlorine can also help inform the potential for the uptake of corrosion byproducts and bacterial growth.
This information comes from Page 50-52 of the WELL V2
How many drinking water dispensers are required per dwelling unit according to WELL standards?
W02 | Part 1 Meet Chemical Thresholds
At least one drinking water dispenser per dwelling unit is required.
This information comes from Page 50-52 of the WELL V2
What are the maximum allowable concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, and chromium in drinking water according to WELL standards?
W02 | Part 1 Meet Chemical Thresholds
Arsenic <= 0.01 mg/L, cadmium <= 0.003 mg/L, chromium (total) <= 0.05 mg/L.
This information comes from Page 50-52 of the WELL V2
What is the maximum concentration of total chlorine allowed in drinking water according to WELL standards?
W02 | Part 1 Meet Chemical Thresholds
Total chlorine must be <= 5 mg/L.
This information comes from Page 50-52 of the WELL V2
Can multifamily residential projects achieve Gold or Platinum WELL Certification without testing water in dwelling units?
W02 | Part 1 Meet Chemical Thresholds
No, testing in dwelling units is required to achieve Gold or Platinum WELL Certification.
This information comes from Page 50-52 of the WELL V2
What are the maximum allowable concentrations of total trihalomethanes (TTHM) and haloacetic acids (HAA5) in drinking water according to WELL standards?
W02 | Part 1 Meet Chemical Thresholds
TTHM <= 0.08 mg/L and HAA5 <= 0.06 mg/L.
This information comes from Page 50-52 of the WELL V2
What are the maximum allowable concentrations for Aldrin and Dieldrin, Atrazine, and Carbofuran in drinking water according to WELL standards?
W02 | Part 2 Meet Thresholds for Organics and Pesticides
Aldrin and Dieldrin (combined) <= 0.00003 mg/L, Atrazine <= 0.1 mg/L, Carbofuran <= 0.007 mg/L.
This information comes from Page 50-52 of the WELL V2
What is the maximum concentration of Benzene and Vinyl Chloride allowed in drinking water according to WELL standards?
W02 | Part 2 Meet Thresholds for Organics and Pesticides
Benzene <= 0.01 mg/L, Vinyl Chloride <= 0.0003 mg/L.
This information comes from Page 50-52 of the WELL V2
How many pesticides and organic contaminants must a municipal water quality report cover for Option 1 compliance?
W02 | Part 2 Meet Thresholds for Organics and Pesticides
At least two pesticides and three organic contaminants.
This information comes from Page 50-52 of the WELL V2
What must be confirmed about the water treatment system in leased spaces under WELL Core Guidance?
W02 | Part 2 Meet Thresholds for Organics and Pesticides
The same water treatment system must be used in all leased spaces, or an allowance must be provided for tenants to purchase the same type of treatment system.
This information comes from Page 50-52 of the WELL V2
Who must conduct on-site water testing according to Option 2, and what is a requirement for their involvement?
W02 | Part 2 Meet Thresholds for Organics and Pesticides
A professional demonstrated not to have a conflict of interest with the WELL project must conduct the testing.
This information comes from Page 50-52 of the WELL V2
What does this WELL feature require projects to do to reduce the risk of water quality loss and Legionella colonization?
W03 BASIC WATER MANAGEMENT | PRECONDITION
This WELL feature requires projects to proactively test drinking water and manage recirculating hot water systems against Legionella colonization.
This information comes from Page 53-54 of the WELL V2
Why is sampling important for water systems?
W03 BASIC WATER MANAGEMENT | PRECONDITION
Sampling is an effective verification tool because all water systems require some degree of validation to ensure that health targets are met under operational conditions.
This information comes from Page 53-54 of the WELL V2
What are common assets vulnerable to Legionella infestation?
W03 BASIC WATER MANAGEMENT | PRECONDITION
Common assets vulnerable to Legionella infestation include domestic potable and hot water systems, cooling towers, humidifiers, misters, decorative fountains, spas, and hot tubs.
This information comes from Page 53-54 of the WELL V2
What basic management practices help control water quality and minimize Legionella risk?
W03 BASIC WATER MANAGEMENT | PRECONDITION
Basic management practices include monitoring turbidity, residual chlorine, and pH and conducting a thorough and quantitative risk assessment of building’s water assets. Implementing a proper Legionella management plan should reduce the risk of exposure to pathogenic bacteria.
This information comes from Page 53-54 of the WELL V2
Which water parameters must be sampled at intervals of no less than once per year according to Option 1?
W03 | Part 1 Monitor Chemical and Biological Water Quality
Turbidity, pH, residual (free) chlorine, total coliforms (if residual chlorine is below detection limits), and any parameter at 80% or above its threshold.
This information comes from Page 53-54 of the WELL V2
Under what conditions must total coliforms be tested?
W03 | Part 1 Monitor Chemical and Biological Water Quality
Total coliforms must be tested if residual chlorine is below detection limits.
This information comes from Page 53-54 of the WELL V2
How often must parameters found at 80% or above their threshold be tested, and where?
W03 | Part 1 Monitor Chemical and Biological Water Quality
Parameters at 80% or above their threshold must be tested at least annually at the locations where they were found.
This information comes from Page 53-54 of the WELL V2
Where must water quality results be submitted according to the WELL standards?
W03 | Part 1 Monitor Chemical and Biological Water Quality
Water quality results must be submitted annually through the WELL digital platform.
This information comes from Page 53-54 of the WELL V2
According to WELL Core Guidance, where should the requirements be met?
W03 | Part 1 Monitor Chemical and Biological Water Quality
The requirements should be met in non-leased spaces.
This information comes from Page 53-54 of the WELL V2
What must a Legionella management plan address according to WELL standards?
W03 | Part 2 Implement Legionella Management Plan
The plan must address hot water systems, cooling towers, decorative fountains, and any other devices or spaces under the project’s control where water is recirculated and aerosolized.
This information comes from Page 53-54 of the WELL V2
What are the key components to include in a Legionella management plan?
W03 | Part 2 Implement Legionella Management Plan
Key components include: roles for Legionella management, water system inventory and process flow diagrams, hazard analysis of water assets, monitoring actions for relevant variables, critical control points, verification and validation procedures, and protocols for documenting results.
This information comes from Page 53-54 of the WELL V2
How often must the project submit documentation related to the Legionella management plan, and through what platform?
W03 | Part 2 Implement Legionella Management Plan
Documentation must be submitted annually through the WELL digital platform, including monitoring results, corrective actions, and Legionella sample results (if any).
This information comes from Page 53-54 of the WELL V2
What must be included in the hazard analysis of the water assets within the project boundary?
W03 | Part 2 Implement Legionella Management Plan
The hazard analysis must include an explanation of building-wide Legionella management policies if the project does not operate the building hot water supply system, detailing how these policies influence risk.
This information comes from Page 53-54 of the WELL V2
According to WELL Core Guidance, where should the Legionella management requirements be implemented?
W03 | Part 2 Implement Legionella Management Plan
The requirements should be implemented in the whole building.
This information comes from Page 53-54 of the WELL V2
What does the W04 feature require projects to do regarding drinking water?
W04 ENHANCED WATER QUALITY | OPTIMIZATION.
This WELL feature requires projects to provide drinking water that meets thresholds on chemicals that affect aesthetics and taste concerns.
This information comes from Page 55-56 of the WELL V2
Why might water be unappealing to drink even if it meets health-based thresholds?
W04 ENHANCED WATER QUALITY | OPTIMIZATION
Water may be unappealing to drink because of taste, odor, and appearance concerns, such as high levels of chloride contributing to a salty taste or iron giving the water a reddish appearance.
This information comes from Page 55-56 of the WELL V2
What are some treatment options to address nuisance chemicals in drinking water?
W04 ENHANCED WATER QUALITY | OPTIMIZATION
Treatment options to address nuisance chemicals include filtration with carbon media and reverse osmosis.
This information comes from Page 55-56 of the WELL V2