Water Efficiency

Photo: Ospr3yy. License: CC BY-SA 3.0

Water efficiency in buildings requires a set of strategies for reducing water consumption.

Water-saving appliances and fixtures are an inexpensive (often cost-neutral) way to achieve greater efficiency. Rainwater or graywater reuse and even blackwater treatment are ways to push the envelope.

Water Efficiency

Deep Dives

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  • Net-Zero Water and More: Moving Beyond “Low Flow”

    Feature Article

    These emerging water strategies are finding momentum and filling the need to address efficiency and resilience on multiple scales.

  • Innovative Products and Technology from the Greenbuild Expo

    Feature Article

    Our product editors pick some winners from the expo floor at Greenbuild 2013 while raising questions about some materials.

  • Waste Water, Want Water

    Feature Article

    Options for small-scale, onsite wastewater treatment and reuse are improving-but can we solve a global crisis one building at a time?

  • Commercial Kitchens: Cooking Up Green Opportunities

    Feature Article

    Commercial kitchens run energy- and water-intensive equipment for long hours, sometimes even when not in use. While the challenges of saving water and energy in commercial kitchens are daunting, they're not insurmountable. Careful equipment selection and a commitment to conscientious kitchen practices can dramatically cut down on waste-and utility bills.

Quick Takes

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  • Power Flushing With Pressure-Assist Toilets

    Primer

    Many of today's best-performing low-flow toilets enhance their flush with air pressure to force water into the bowl at high speed.

  • Combined Sewer Overflow

    Primer

    Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) occur in municipalities with older wastewater systems that carry both sanitary wastewater and stormwater; eliminating CSOs involves investment in wastewater infrastructure and reducing stormwater flows.

  • Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater

    Primer

    Constructed wetlands, when used to treat wastewater, can keep nitrogen and phosphorous from the water supply and cut costs by controlling the size of drainfields.

  • Graywater Collection and Use

    Primer

    If properly stored and separated from potable water, graywater collected from sinks, showers, and clothes washers can be used to irrigate landscaping.

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Learning Resources

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