Discover the advantages of installing permanent water submeters for LEED certification. Learn how submeters help track water consumption and identify leaks in buildings and associated grounds.
Table of Contents
Question
Installing permanent water submeters that measure the total potable water use for a building and associated grounds has which of the following benefits?
A. Informs the selection of locally adapted plants
B. Allows facility staff to track water consumption and identify leaks
C. Increases on-site water retention and infiltration of rainfall into the ground
D. Reduces the amount of water needed to support industrial and process systems
Answer
B. Allows facility staff to track water consumption and identify leaks
Explanation
Installing permanent water submeters that measure the total potable water use for a building and associated grounds allows facility staff to track water consumption and identify leaks. This can help reduce water waste, lower utility bills, and improve water efficiency. It can also contribute to the Water Metering credit in the Water Efficiency category of LEED v4.
Installing permanent water submeters that measure the total potable water use for a building and its associated grounds provides several benefits, particularly in the context of LEED certification. The primary advantage is that it enables facility staff to monitor water consumption and detect leaks promptly.
Here’s a detailed explanation of why option B is the most accurate:
- Water consumption tracking: Submeters allow for precise measurement and recording of potable water usage throughout the building and its grounds. This data can be used to establish a baseline and track changes in water consumption over time. By analyzing the data, facility managers can identify areas of high water usage and implement strategies to reduce consumption, such as upgrading to water-efficient fixtures or adjusting irrigation schedules.
- Leak detection: Submeters can help facility staff quickly identify leaks by detecting unusual spikes in water consumption. By monitoring the data provided by the submeters, staff can pinpoint the location of the leak and take prompt action to repair it. This not only saves water but also prevents potential damage to the building and its infrastructure.
- LEED certification: Installing permanent water submeters contributes to earning points in the Water Efficiency (WE) category of LEED certification. Specifically, it aligns with the requirements of the “Water Metering” credit, which aims to support water management and identify opportunities for additional water savings.
The other options, while related to water conservation and management, do not directly address the benefits of installing permanent water submeters:
- Option A refers to the selection of locally adapted plants, which can help reduce outdoor water consumption but is not directly related to the installation of submeters.
- Option C pertains to increasing on-site water retention and infiltration, which is a separate strategy for managing stormwater and reducing the burden on municipal water systems.
- Option D focuses on reducing water needed for industrial and process systems, which is important but not the primary benefit of installing submeters for the entire building and its grounds.
In summary, installing permanent water submeters allows facility staff to track water consumption and identify leaks, contributing to water conservation efforts and earning points toward LEED certification.
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