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Building Water Use


Buildings are significant users of the Earth’s freshwater supply. The goal of a responsible building operator should be to encourage a smarter use of water, both inside and outside the facility.

Net Zero Concept

Net Zero Emissions is a term that refers to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions generated from resource consumption to as close to zero as possible and the concept is applicable to all resource use, including water.

Net Zero Water

Net Zero Water refers to the concept of balancing water demand with water availability. The goal is to achieve a state where the amount of water used is equal to the amount of water replenished or restored, resulting in a net zero water balance1. To achieve this balance, take the following actions.

Minimize Total Water Consumption

Reducing indoor water usage can be achieved by using high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, fittings, appliances and equipment for heating and cooling the building. For outdoor water conservation, the focus should be on water-wise landscaping through xeriscaping and efficient irrigation practices, such as drip irrigation. By using less potable water, a building can also reduce the energy required to transport, treat, and redistribute the water, resulting in cost savings. This is known as the "water-energy nexus." Innovative water efficiency solutions should not only focus on reducing potable water usage, but also reducing the use of non-potable water from alternative water sources where appropriate, like flushing toilets and irrigating landscapes. For guidance on water conservation, see:

Maximize Alternative Water Sources

Water Reuse Regulations

Water reuse may be regulated at the state or local level. EPA's Regulations and End-Use Specifications Explorer (REUSExplorer) tool links to summaries of state water reuse regulations or guidelines and is searchable by source of water and end-use application.

EPA.gov Regulations and End-Use Specifications Explorer

Alternative water sources are those that draw water from processes or applications other than freshwater sources like surface or groundwater. Examples of alternative water sources include greywater, reclaimed wastewater, stormwater, rainwater, air handling unit condensate, process equipment discharge water, and drainage or sump water. Depending on their filtration and treatment requirements, alternative water sources can be used for various purposes, such as laundry services, landscape irrigation, toilet flushing, cooling tower makeup water, fire sprinkler systems, and decorative water features. By replacing potable water with alternative water sources, buildings can reduce stress on freshwater sources and make progress toward achieving Net Zero Water goals. To learn more about GSA activities related to water reuse, please refer to:

  • GSA Water Reuse Interagency Working Group resource(s) (Coming Soon)
Return Water to Original Source

Every effort should be made to return water used in buildings to the same water source from which it was taken. Water sources may be surface water, such as creeks, streams, or rivers, or groundwater, such as aquifers. Returning water discharged from buildings to its original source, through onsite green infrastructure, prevents the depletion of local watersheds. To achieve Net Zero Water, this extraction and replenishment is measured over the course of a year.

For more information, see DOE FEMP's Federal New Buildings Handbook for Net Zero Energy, Water, and Waste.opens in new window


1 Department of Energy | Net Zero Water Building Strategies

Related Topics


Aerator for Faucets

Faucet aerators are flow restriction devices designed to reduce the amount of water that comes out of a faucet by mixing air into the water stream. Standard faucet flow rate is 2.2 gallon per minute (gpm). High efficiency aerator flow rate ranges from 1.5 to 0.5 gpm, offering significant water and energy savings.

EPA WaterSense | Showerheadsopens in new window

EPA | WaterSense at Work - Faucetsopens in new window

DOE FEMP | Best Management Practices - Faucets and Showerheadsopens in new window

Alternative Water Source

Alternative water sources are those that draw water from processes or applications other than freshwater sources like surface or groundwater. Examples of alternative water sources include greywater, reclaimed wastewater, stormwater, rainwater, air handling unit condensate, process equipment discharge water, and drainage or sump water. Depending on their filtration and treatment requirements, alternative water sources can be used for various purposes, such as laundry services, landscape irrigation, toilet flushing, cooling tower makeup water, fire sprinkler systems, and decorative water features. By replacing potable water with alternative water sources, buildings can reduce stress on freshwater sources and make progress toward achieving Net Zero Water goals.

DOE FEMP | Best Management Practices - Alternative Water Sourcesopens in new window

EPA | WaterSense at Work - Onsite Alternative Water Sourcesopens in new window

Blackwater

Blackwater is nonpotable water.  Exact definitions for what constitutes blackwater vary, but wastewater from toilets and urinals is always considered blackwater.  Water from food preparation areas, shower water, or bathtub water is sometimes considered blackwater, based on state and local laws.  Blackwater cannot be used in place of potable water.

Bleedoff/Blowdown

The intentional release of a portion of the recirculating water from a cooling tower or steam system is called bleed off or blowdown. The recirculating water carries dissolved solids, which need to be removed because they can cause mineral buildup inside the system. Blowdown can be minimized through proper water management of the system via chemical treatment and filtration for example.

DOE FEMP | Best Management Practices - Cooling Tower Managementopens in new window

DOE FEMP | Best Management Practices - Steam Boiler Systemsopens in new window

EPA | WaterSense at Work - Cooling Towersopens in new window

Compost Toilet

A composting toilet is an alternative to a traditional flushing toilet. Composting toilets are not common in commercial buildings; however, they are becoming a more common environmentally preferred option as they use less potable water, if any. Composting toilets use an aerobic process to break down waste by using little or no water. There are two types of composting toilets: self-contained and split units – both designed to prevent fixture odors.

See Waterless/Dry/Nonwater Fixtures.

Condensate Capture

Condensate capture refers to harvesting condensed water on air handling units to be reused in other applications. As cool air passes through air handling units, water condensate can form from humid outside air (similar to water droplets forming on the outside of a cold glass of water on a warm, humid day). Typically this water is diverted into a pan and discharged to a drain. Instead, this condensate can be captured and diverted to be used beneficially in applications such as cooling tower make-up. The condensate is nearly pure water and therefore can be ideal for cooling towers. Condensate capture typically works best in warm, humid climates. See the case study on a condensate capture programopens in new window performed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Cooling Tower

A piece of building equipment which uses water to absorb heat from air-conditioning systems and regulate air temperature in a facility.

DOE FEMP | Best Management Practices - Cooling Tower Managementopens in new window

EPA | WaterSense at Work - Cooling Towersopens in new window

Dipper Well

A dipper well is a sink-type fixture that provides a constant flow of water to keep food-preparation and serving utensils clean. Dipper wells can have a flow rate between 0.5 to 1.0 gallons per minute. Dipper wells can be retrofitted with flow restrictors to reduce the flow rate. Find more information on dipper wells at the EPA’s WaterSense at Workopens in new window.

Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation, also referred to as “micro-irrigation”, delivers water at low pressure directly at the root zone of the plant through flexible tubing and drip emitters. Drip irrigation is very efficient because it minimizes the amount of water lost due to evaporation or overspray, which is common with traditional spray type irrigation equipment.

Alliance for Water Efficiency | Drip and Micro-Spray Irrigation Introductionnon government site opens in new window

Dual-Flush Toilets

A dual-flush toilet is a type of high-efficiency fixture. Dual-flush toilets are those that have two levels of flushing – a higher water use flush (full flush) for solids and a lower water use one (reduced flush) for liquids. The effective flush volume of a dual flush toilet is 1.28 gallons per flush. Dual-flush toilets are available in tank or flush valve types.

See High-Efficiency Fixture.

Evapotranspiration Controllers/Weather-Based Controllers

Evapotranspiration Controllers, also known as weather-based controllers, use weather data to calculate evapotranspiration (ET), which represents the level of water loss from the soil due to evaporation and plant transpiration. ET is used to determine the irrigation schedule that applies the appropriate amount of irrigatio required by the landscape. These devices, as well as rain sensors and other “smart” irrigation devices, help prevent water waste.

Faucet

A faucet is a valve controlling the release of water, which have standard or high-efficiency rated flow rates. Faucets can be fitted with flow restrictors or aerators to make them more water-efficient.

EPA WaterSense | Bathroom Sink Faucets & Accessoriesopens in new window

Flow Restrictor

Flow restrictors are devices designed to limit the amount of water that comes out of a faucet or showerhead. They save water by constraining the flow of water through the fixture, typically by mixing air into the stream of water.

EPA WaterSenseopens in new window

Front-loading Clothes Washer

Also referred to “horizontal axis” clothes washer, this machine uses a drum that is oriented horizontally with access on the front side of the machine (versus on the top of the machine). Front-loading clothes washers use significantly less water, typically 15 gallons per load versus 23 gallons per load for a standard top-loading machine. See ENERGY STAR clothes washersopens in new window.

Gallons per Cycle (gpc)

Gallons per cycle (gpc) references the amount of water used in a controlled period of flow (the “cycle”) of a fixture such as faucets and washing machines. The cycle can be controlled by either an electronic or mechanical device. The cycle is calculated using the flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm) and the duration setting (in seconds). For example, in a metered (timed) faucet, a flow of 0.5 gallons per minute for 30 seconds would be 0.25 gpc.

Gallons per flush (gpf)

Gallons per flush (gpf) references the amount of water used per flush in flush fixtures, such as toilets and urinals.

Gallons per minute (gpm)

Gallons per minute (gpm) references the amount of water used by a flow fixture in a measured amount of time (one minute).

Greywater

Greywater is the wastewater from showers and sinks. Greywater can be captured and used in place of potable water to flush toilets or irrigate landscapes. Greywater DOES NOT contain water from urinals or toilets.

Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings

The Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings and Associated Instructions are a set of sustainable principles for integrated design, energy performance, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, materials, and resilience aimed at helping Federal agencies and organizations:

  • Reduce the total ownership cost of facilities
  • Improve energy efficiency and water conservation
  • Provide safe, healthy, and productive built environments
  • Promote sustainable environmental stewardship

Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings and Associated Instructions

Hardscape

Hardscape is the inanimate elements of the building’s landscaping. For instance sidewalks, plazas, parking lots, and stone walls are all hardscape. Hardscape prevents water from being absorbed into the soil and can contribute to the heat island effect if it is dark in color.

High-Efficiency Faucet

A faucet with a flow rate that does not exceed 1.5 gpm for private settings and 0.5 gpm for public settings.

EPA WaterSense | Bathroom Sink Faucets & Accessoriesopens in new window

DOE FEMP | Best Management Practices - Faucets and Showerheadsopens in new window

High-Efficiency Plumbing Fixture

High-efficiency plumbing fixtures use less water than code-compliant, standard plumbing fixtures. The following is a listing of specific high-efficiency fixtures.

High-Efficiency Showerhead

A showerhead that does not exceed a flow rate of 2.0 gpm.

EPA WaterSense | Showerheadsopens in new window

DOE FEMP | Best Mangement Practices - Faucets and Showerheadsopens in new window

High-Efficiency Toilet (HET)

A toilet with an effective flush volume that does not exceed 1.28 gpf.

EPA WaterSense | Toiletsopens in new window

DOE FEMP | Best Management Practices - Toilets and Urinalsopens in new window

High-Efficiency Urinal (HEU)

A urinal that does not exceed 0.125 gallons per flush (1 pint per flush).

EPA WaterSense | Urinalsopens in new window

DOE FEMP | Best Management Practices - Toilets and Urinalsopens in new window

Lavatory

Lavatory is a term meaning a basin for washing. Essentially, the hand washing basins located within a restroom are called lavatories.

Leak Detection

Leak detection is a process that involves monitoring water distribution systems for leaks to help identify and pin point leak locations so that they can be repaired.

DOE FEMP | Best Management Practices - Distribution System Audits, Leak Detection, and Repairopens in new window

Low-Flow Fixture

Antiquated term that was used to describe efficient plumbing fixtures after the passage of EPAct 1992. The current industry standard term is “high-efficiency”.

See High Efficiency Fixture

Makeup Water

Water fed into a cooling tower system to replace water lost through evaporation, drift, bleed-off/blowdown, or other causes.

Nonwater/Waterless/Dry Fixtures

A nonwater fixture is a type of high-efficiency fixture. There are nonwater toilets and nonwater urinals, although nonwater urinals are far more common. Nonwater urinals have no flush mechanism. Liquid travels through a gel-filled cartridge which forms a seal designed to prevent odors from escaping. Maintenance involves the replacement of the cartridge after a certain number of uses, specified by the manufacturer. There are various types of nonwater toilets including foam, incinerating and composting - all of which eliminate the need to flush water down the toilet during normal operation.

See Composting Toilet

See High-Efficiency Fixture

Pervious

Pervious ground surfaces allow precipitation to percolate through, letting the water be absorbed and naturally filtered by the ground. Pervious surfaces reduce the amount of water that is sent to storm drains. Types of pervious surfaces include landscape, pavers, porous asphalt, and pervious concrete.

Potable water

Potable water is drinkable water.  It flows from faucets and showerheads and is used in dishwashers, all of which require clean water for sanitary purposes.  Potable water is also used to flush toilets and irrigate landscapes – both are functions that could easily use greywater (recycled water) without compromising efficiency.  Where feasible, greywater should be used for these functions.

Pre-Rinse Spray Valve

Pre-rinse spray valves are spray nozzles that are used in commercial kitchens to remove large food scraps from dishes typically prior to being placed in a dishwasher.

EPA | WaterSense at Work - Pre-Rinse Spray Valvesopens in new window

DOE FEMP | Best Management Practices - Commercial Kitchen Equipmentopens in new window

Pressure-Assisted Toilet

A pressure-assisted toilet is a type of high-efficiency fixture. Pressure-assisted toilets use the pressure from the main water line to more efficiently empty the bowl and use less water.

See High-Efficiency Fixture.

Process Water

Water used for industrial processes and building systems, such as cooling towers, boilers, and chillers. Greywater can sometimes be appropriately used as process water, conserving potable water.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting captures, stores, and uses rainwater for beneficial uses such as landscape irrigation.  Rainwater harvesting typically refers to capturing rainwater that falls onto a roof surface and has not come into contact with the ground.  Rain that hits the ground, called stormwater, can easily pick up contaminants such as oil and other pollutants and requires more treatment than rain that is collected from a roof.  To get more information on rainwater harvesting, go to the EPA’s WaterSense at Workopens in new window.

Reclaimed Wastewater

Reclaimed wastewater is wastewater that has been treated to a level that is safe for reuse.  The level of treatment determines the potential uses for reclaimed wastewater. Some reclaimed wastewaters are restricted to only non-potable reuse (e.g., irrigating non-public areas), while others are approved for potable reuse, where the water is so pure that it can be introduced directly into a water treatment plant. Reclaimed wastewater is becoming more commonly provided by municipal water suppliers. Some military installations also reclaim wastewater at on-site wastewater treatment plants.  To get more information on reclaimed wastewater, see the EPA’s WaterSense at Workopens in new window.

Showerhead

Showerheads control the speed and pressure of the water flowing from the pipe with standard or high-efficiency rated flow rates.

See High-Efficiency Showerhead

See Standard Plumbing Fixture

Side Stream Filtration

Side stream filtration continuously filters a portion of recirculating water in a cooling system, removing suspended solids and debris from the water that can lead to less fouling of the system and improves system performance. Find information on side stream filtration on the Federal Energy Management Program’s side stream filtration fact sheetopens in new window.

Single Pass Cooling/Once Through Cooling

Single pass cooling or once through cooling equipment removes heat from a process or application by circulating water through a heat exchanger only once and is discharged to drain.

EPA | WaterSense at Work - Single-Pass Coolingopens in new window

DOE FEMP | Best Management Practices - Single-Pass Cooling Equipmentopens in new window

Soil-moisture Sensor

Soil-moisture sensors measure the amount of moisture in the soil. It is typically a probe that is inserted directly into the ground that measures the soil’s conductivity. Conductivity of the soil increases as water content increases. Soil-moisture sensors are used in irrigation controls to help determine the amount of irrigation needed to reach a desired soil moisture content. 

Find more information on soil-moisture sensors at the Alliance for Water Efficiency’s websitenon government site opens in new window.

Standard Plumbing Fixture

Standard plumbing fixtures are plumbing fixtures that meet the current federal requirements established by the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992.  Standard fixtures meet minimal code requirements.

The following list provides the current standards for plumbing fixtures:

  • Toilets: 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf)
  • Urinals: 1.0 gpf
  • Faucets: 2.2 gpm (at 60 pounds per square inch (psi) operating pressure)
  • Showerheads: 2.5 gpm (at 80 psi operating pressure)

Steam Systems

Steam systems generate steam to provide heat for buildings and process needs such as commercial kitchens and manufacturing. Steam boilers produce steam, steam is sent through a distribution network, and often condensed steam is returned back to the boiler, called a condensate return. As water evaporates in the boiler, dissolved solids build up creating scale in the boiler. To reduce scale, contaminated water is released from the boiler, called “blowdown”, and fresh water is replaced, called “make-up”. To get more information on steam systems, go to EPA’s WaterSense at Workopens in new window.

Toilet

Toilets typically are standard or high-efficiency. Older buildings may have toilets that do not meet the current standards and exceed the standard flush rate of 1.6 gpf. These are typically buildings built before 1994.

See High-Efficiency Toilet

See Standard Plumbing Fixture

Urinal

Urinals typically are standard or high-efficiency.  Older buildings may have urinals that do not meet the current standards and exceed the standard flush rate of 1.0 gpf. These are typically buildings built before 1994. Of the high-efficiency types, the most water-efficient is the nonwater type.

See High-Efficiency Urinal

See Standard Plumbing Fixture

Water Closet

Water closet is a term meaning flush toilets.

See Toilet.

Water Conservation

Over 400 billion gallons of water are used every day in the United States. Demand is increasing even though usable supply is decreasing. Civilian agencies in the federal government use 47 billion gallons of water per year, the equivalent of more than 70,000 Olympic-size swimming pools. These agencies could save 7.8–12.3 billion gallons (17–26%) annually just by using simple “off the shelf” water conservation measures, including replacing existing toilets, faucets, and showerheads with more efficient versions.

GSA | Indoor Water Conservationopens in new window

DOE | Developing a Water Management Planopens in new window

DOE | Guidance for the Implementation and Follow-up of Identified Energy and Water Efficiencyopens in new window

DOE | Measures in Covered Facilitiesopens in new window

Water Efficiency

Buildings are significant users of the Earth’s freshwater supply. The goal of a responsible building operator should be to encourage a smarter use of water, both inside and outside the facility. Indoor water use reduction is typically achieved through efficient plumbing fixtures, fittings, appliances and process equipment used to heat and cool the building; outdoor water use reduction efforts should focus on water-wise landscaping and efficient irrigation.

Learn more about Water Efficiency.

Water Purification

Water purification is a process where undesired contaminants are removed from a water supply to provide pure water typically when high-quality water is needed such as laboratory and medical applications.  Water purification systems include reverse osmosis, deionization, and distillation.  To get more information on water purification, go to EPA’s WaterSense at Workopens in new window.

Water Use Baseline

Estimated or metered water use in a specified year from which water use reductions are expected to occur.

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officialsnon government site opens in new window

International Code Councilnon government site opens in new window

Xeriscaping/Native Landscaping

Xeriscaping or native landscaping is a type of landscaping method that makes routine irrigation unnecessary. The practice uses water-efficient choices in planting and irrigation design. It incorporates climate-appropriate and native plants to decrease the amount of watering required. The choices will vary depending on the ecosystem and weather patterns of the location. In some locations, xeriscaping means use of drought-tolerant plants; in other, it means the use of wetlands plants. Xeriscaping also uses soil amendments such as compost and mulch to reduce evaporation of water.

University of Missouri Extension | Water-Efficient Gardening and Landscapingopens in new window

EPA WaterSense | Water-Smart Landscapes Start With WaterSenseopens in new window

EPA | WaterSense at Work - Landscapingopens in new window

DOE FEMP | Best Management Practices - Water-Efficient Landscapingopens in new window

Share non government site opens in new window

Did You Know?

People in the U.S. spend about 90% of their time indoors.

Source: Environmental Protection Agency (1987). The Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) Study.opens in new window


Case Study

Sense of Place

Skylight and Sculpture

What makes a workplace special? What fosters a sense of attachment, engagement and identity? These are the kinds of questions that underlie the sense of place. The workplace is increasingly seen as a “brand” that conveys not only a place, but also the mission and values of the organization. The GSA workplace program combines branding and sense of place with sustainable approaches to create special places imbued with meaning and purpose.

View Case Study