Learn which types of water are safe for drinking according to LEED standards. Prepare for the LEED Green Associate certification exam with this concise explanation.
Table of Contents
Question
Which of the following water types is suitable for drinking?
A. Graywater
B. Greenwater
C. Stormwater
D. Potable water
Answer
D. Potable water
Explanation
Potable water is water that is suitable for drinking. Potable water meets or exceeds the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) drinking water quality standards and is free of contaminants that are harmful to human health.
The other options are not suitable for drinking. Graywater is wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry that can be reused for non-potable purposes such as toilet flushing and irrigation. Greenwater is rainwater that is collected and stored for non-potable uses. Stormwater is runoff from precipitation that can carry pollutants and sediments into waterways.
Potable water is water that is safe for drinking and meets strict water quality standards. It has been treated, cleaned and tested to ensure it does not contain harmful levels of chemicals, particulates, bacteria or other contaminants. Potable water is the only type of water listed that is suitable for human consumption.
The other water types mentioned are non-potable and not safe to drink:
- Graywater is wastewater from sinks, showers, tubs, and washing machines. While less contaminated than sewage, it still contains bacteria and other impurities. Graywater can be reused for irrigation but not drinking.
- Greenwater is not a standard term and does not refer to a particular type or category of water. The use of “green” suggests it has sustainable qualities but does not specify potability
- Stormwater is runoff from rain or snowmelt. It can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt and other pollutants from surfaces it flows over, making it unsafe to drink without treatment. Stormwater is often collected in drains or retention ponds.
So in summary, only potable water that adheres to safe drinking water standards is fit for human consumption and the correct answer among the options provided. Knowing water quality categories is important for LEED as it pertains to water efficiency, conservation, and reuse strategies in green building.
USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam and earn USGBC LEED Green Associate certification.