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USGBC LEED Green Associate: Reducing Indoor Water Use with Plumbing Fixtures

Discover the answer to the LEED Green Associate Exam question on reducing indoor water use. Learn which plumbing fixture is excluded from indoor water reduction strategies.

Table of Contents

Question

When considering strategies for reducing indoor water use, which plumbing fixture would be excluded?

A. Urinal
B. Drip irrigation
C. Showerhead
D. Kitchen faucet

Answer

When considering strategies for reducing indoor water use in the context of the LEED Green Associate Exam, the plumbing fixture that would be excluded is:

B. Drip irrigation

Explanation

Drip irrigation is a method of watering plants that delivers water directly to the roots through a network of pipes, tubes, valves, and emitters. Drip irrigation is not a plumbing fixture, but a landscaping technique that can reduce outdoor water use by minimizing evaporation, runoff, and overspray.

Plumbing fixtures are devices that provide water for various purposes, such as washing, bathing, cooking, or flushing. Plumbing fixtures include urinals, showerheads, kitchen faucets, and other types of faucets, toilets, bidets, and sinks. Plumbing fixtures are subject to indoor water use reduction strategies in LEED certification, such as installing low-flow or high-efficiency models, using automatic sensors or timers, or implementing water reuse systems.

Drip irrigation is a type of irrigation system used for outdoor landscaping and gardening. It delivers water directly to the roots of plants through a network of pipes, valves, and emitters. Drip irrigation is designed to minimize water waste and increase water efficiency in outdoor settings.

However, the question specifically asks about reducing indoor water use. The other three options – urinals, showerheads, and kitchen faucets – are all plumbing fixtures commonly found inside buildings. These fixtures can be designed or retrofitted with water-saving features to reduce indoor water consumption.

For example:

  • Low-flow or waterless urinals can significantly reduce water usage compared to traditional urinals.
  • Low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators can reduce water flow rates without compromising user experience.
  • Water-efficient kitchen faucets with features like motion sensors or timed shut-offs can help minimize water waste.

Therefore, when focusing on strategies for reducing indoor water use, drip irrigation would be excluded as it is an outdoor water-saving measure.

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.