Water quality

The cost of water is negligible compared to energy, but water systems are expensive and access to clean water is a big deal. As droughts, water rights, and the demand for clean water increases, using water efficiently in all processes will improve our resilience and support environmental justice.

Besides efficient plumbing fixtures and fittings, other building systems that use water need to be assessed and monitored for water consumption and disposal. Cooling towers, irrigation, cooking, and other processes can use less water, or be considered as a part of a recycled water system - rainwater or greywater. Reducing clean water consumption will ease the burden on municipal water systems, and support water quality.

Site management practices outside the building also affect regional water quality. Sustainable operations for sites includes best practices for landscape maintenance, stormwater systems, and ice/snow removal.

Key impact areas for sustainable operations include:

• Water benchmarking

• Plumbing fixture inventory

• Targets for submetering

• Water Management Program (ASHRAE 188)