Smart Water Systems Final Version .docx

Smart Water Systems Introduction: Smart Water Systems are primarily plumbing fixtures used in residential buildings to achieve efficient water and energy consumption and cost efficiency. In addition, eco or green roofs in residential buildings can contribute to cost reduction while minimizing CO2 gas emissions. Source: www.ciph.com Purpose: Residential buildings can minimize water usage to reduce cost and save energy with smart and efficient water systems. Water efficient systems such as: - low-flow fixtures - low-flush fixtures - waterless urinals - water/energy efficient washing machines can be installed in a residential building for water conservation and cost efficiency. Such systems yield a considerable amount in cost and consumption reduction. In addition, eco-roof or green-roof systems can utilize rainwater and use it for irrigation and landscaping purposes. By installing green roofs, the building will contribute to reduction of CO2 gas emissions and improving air quality in and around the building. The City of Toronto offers an Eco-Roof incentive program where each square meter of an eligible green roof can receive up to $100 credits.

What is a low-flow fixture? To put it simply, low-flow fixtures are special plumbing fixtures such as faucets and showerheads that use less water without compromising water pressure and performance. According to the Uniform Plumbing Code, water at residential buildings are pressurised from 50-70 pounds per inch (psi) with maximum allowable pressure of 80 psi Low-flow fixtures use less water at a flow rate of 0.5-2.0 gallons per minute (gpm) or less at 80psi, whereas standard flow fixtures use a maximum flow rate of 2.5 gpm at 80psi. Source: www.epa.gov/watersense/showerheads Source: www.epa.gov/watersense/bathroom-faucets Showerheads and faucets installed in new buildings are mandated to not exceed a maximum flow rate of 2.5gpm by the American National Standards Institute. (2018, pg 29. Section 408.2) Low-flow aerators Low-flow aerators are small attachments that are installed on previous fixtures to further decrease water usage by moderating water flow without compromising pressure and delivery. Benefits of integrating low-flow plumbing fixtures in Seneca College Student Residence Building: - Low-flow fixtures can effectively reduce water cost and save on water bills by as much as 30%. - Reduce water consumption up to 40% depending on the model and manufacturer of plumbing fixtures - Using less hot water through low-flow fixtures, we reduce our energy consumption and save on energy bills since hot-water is heated through natural gas. - Initial cost to purchase and install a low-flow fixture ranges from $50-$200 each, however, these costs will be covered in approximately 3 years of use and can start generating savings in utility and energy bills.

What is a low-flush fixture? Similar with low-flow fixtures, low-flush plumbing fixtures are restroom fixtures such as toilets and urinals that use minimal amount of water per each use/flush. The standard water closets (toilets) installed in new buildings are mandated to not exceed a maximum consumption of water at a flow rate of 1.6 gallons per flush (6.0 litres per flush) and commercial urinals at 1 gallon per flush, according to the Uniform Plumbing Code. Source: www.epa.gov/watersense/urinals Newer generation toilets and urinals utilize different technological advancements such as efficient bowl design and configuration to reach maximum efficiency for powerful and crisp flushes . Optimum low-flush toilets consume 1.28 gpf or less on average according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Source: www.epa.gov/watersense/commercial-toilets

EPA created the WaterSense certification for high-efficiency plumbing fixtures. EPA recommends using WaterSense certified fixtures for residential buildings for its water efficient features. Source: www.epa.gov Benefits of installing low-flush water closets in Seneca College Student Residence Building: - Low-flush fixtures use less water per each use/flush - Reduce water consumption - Low-flush toilets and urinals will conserve thousands of gallons of water each year - Initial cost to purchase and install a low-flush fixture range from $100-$500 each, however, these costs will be covered in no time.

WaterSense Savings By replacing outdated and inefficient toilets with WaterSense certified toilets, a 10-floor residential building can conserve nearly 1.2 million gallons of water and more than $10,000 in cost reduction per year. Source: www.epa.gov/watersense/commercial-toilets Installing just one low-flush urinal with flush rate of 0.5 gpf could result in savings of 4,600 gallons of water per year in a residential building as opposed to the standard 1.0 gpf urinal mandated by the federal government. Source: www.epa.gov/watersense/urinals

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