Learn about the various non-potable water sources and their appropriate uses in sustainable buildings, as covered in the USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam.
Table of Contents
Question
Which of the following statements regarding non-potable water is true?
A. Blackwater can only be used for flush fixtures
B. Stormwater runoff can be treated and used in a facility’s cooling towers
C. Captured rainwater must be treated before it can be used to irrigate landscaping
D. can be used for any household purpose as long as it is not consumed
Answer
B. Stormwater runoff can be treated and used in a facility’s cooling towers
Explanation
Stormwater runoff can indeed be treated and used in a facility’s cooling towers. This is an example of using non-potable water (water that is not of drinking quality) for purposes that do not require potable water. Other uses for treated stormwater might include toilet flushing or irrigation.
Non-potable water refers to water that is not suitable for human consumption but can be used for other purposes in a building. There are several sources of non-potable water, each with its own set of appropriate uses:
- Blackwater: This is wastewater from toilets and urinals, which contains fecal matter and urine. Blackwater requires extensive treatment before it can be reused and is typically not used in buildings.
- Graywater: This is wastewater from sinks, showers, and washing machines, which contains some contaminants but is generally safer than blackwater. After proper treatment, graywater can be used for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation.
- Stormwater runoff: This is water from rain or snow that flows over land surfaces. Stormwater can be collected, treated, and used for various non-potable applications, such as cooling tower make-up water, toilet flushing, and landscape irrigation.
- Captured rainwater: This is water collected directly from rooftops or other surfaces during rainfall. Depending on the intended use and local regulations, captured rainwater may or may not require treatment. In many cases, untreated rainwater can be used for landscape irrigation.
In the context of the question, stormwater runoff can indeed be treated and used in a facility’s cooling towers (option B). This practice reduces the demand for potable water and contributes to the sustainable management of water resources in buildings.
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.