Water Efficiency and Sanitation Standards: A Comprehensive Overview with References
Al-Emran Hossain
PE, M.Sc Mech. Eng. LEED AP (BD+C), CSTM-II, CDCS, BCxP, OSHA-OSHP, IAAI-CFI, FIEB-11350
Water Efficiency and Sanitation Standards: A Comprehensive Overview with References
The following outlines key water efficiency and sanitation standards, categorized into six critical areas. These standards are intended to support professional engineers in achieving sustainable water use and management while adhering to international best practices.
1. Water-Conserving Plumbing Fixtures and Fittings
This section focuses on the revision and updating of current standards related to the water usage of fixtures and fittings. The objective is to implement more comprehensive requirements that would foster the development and use of advanced water-conserving fixtures. By aligning with standards such as UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code) and IPC (International Plumbing Code), this task group addresses both efficiency and compliance with ergonomic design applicable to residential, commercial, and public facilities.
Scope: This task group focuses on reviewing and updating existing standards that address the water consumption of plumbing fixtures and fittings. It also involves the development of requirements for additional water-conserving fixtures, ensuring compliance with current efficiency benchmarks.
Reference Standards:
2. Water Treatment Devices and Systems
The task group aims to expand the current requirements for both Point-of-Entry (POE) and Point-of-Use (POU) water treatment systems. This includes identifying additional technological developments and incorporating them into existing guidelines for improved water safety and quality. The standards should facilitate the certification and listing of new treatment technologies, ensuring compatibility with NSF/ANSI 61 and 55 standards for drinking water treatment.
Scope: This area involves identifying and developing standards for Point-of-Entry (POE) and Point-of-Use (POU) water treatment devices and systems, including applicable certification and performance criteria.
Reference Standards:
3. Gray Water Systems
The focus here is on the standards associated with the design, alteration, and maintenance of gray water systems, which are vital for sustainable water management. By updating and aligning requirements with frameworks such as ASME A112.1.2 and ICC’s guidelines, the task group seeks to promote the use of gray water in residential and commercial applications for irrigation and non-potable purposes, thus contributing to water conservation.
Scope: This task group reviews and updates existing standards for the construction, alteration, and maintenance of greywater systems to promote reuse and conservation practices in buildings.
Reference Standards:
4. Log Reduction Targets (LRTs)
This component involves setting and refining Log Reduction Targets (LRTs) to evaluate the quality of treated water from blackwater, greywater, and stormwater systems. Standards such as ISO 14034 for environmental management and technology performance evaluation are integral to establishing benchmarks for microbial and chemical contaminant reduction, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of treatment processes.
Scope: The focus here is on assessing water quality and updating LRTs for the effectiveness of treatment processes applied to onsite systems, including blackwater, greywater, and stormwater.
Reference Standards:
5. Data Center Water Use
The development of standards for water efficiency in data centers is critical, given the high water demand inherent to cooling processes. This task group will define monitoring protocols and efficiency benchmarks, referencing data center-specific sustainability standards such as the Uptime Institute's Efficient IT Stamp of Approval or the ANSI/ASHRAE 90.4 standard, which provides frameworks for energy and water conservation in data center operations.
Scope: This area develops requirements for monitoring and optimizing water consumption in data centers, emphasizing efficient water use in cooling and operational systems.
Reference Standards:
6. Eco-Sanitation Systems
This section reviews and establishes guidelines for ecological sanitation (eco-sanitation) systems. It involves the design and implementation of composting toilets and urine diversion systems, with a focus on new and emerging technologies in this sector. Standards like the WHO's Guidelines on Sanitation and Health, along with the inclusion of Eco-SanRes guidelines, are crucial in framing these requirements to ensure health, environmental integrity, and efficient resource recovery.
Scope: This task group reviews and develops standards for eco-sanitation systems, such as composting toilets and urine diversion systems, and proposes requirements for innovative ecological sanitation technologies.
Reference Standards:
These standards are a foundational reference for engineers working on water efficiency and sanitation projects, ensuring compliance with global benchmarks and fostering innovation in sustainable water management practices. These detailed elements of the Water Efficiency and Sanitation Standard underscore a comprehensive approach towards improved water management, conservation, and sustainable building practices, aligning with global standards and innovations in the field.