The next step in the process is to determine all components and systems in the facility that use water. This step includes documenting restroom plumbing fixtures, as well as major systems that use water. These include systems considered process loads, such as cooling towers and commercial kitchens.
One strategy for understanding the amount of water each system consumes is using sub-meters. By installing sub-meters, managers can quantify consumption and specifically target conservation measures.
Typically, most water use in an office building relates to restroom plumbing fixtures. The building’s construction can have a great deal to do with the types of fixtures installed. The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and International Plumbing Code (IPC) typically dictate plumbing requirements for new construction. The table below compares plumbing fixture flow rates and requirements during different periods.
Water Conservation: Use Utility Bills to Establish Baseline
Sub-Meters Assess Performance of Water-Using Systems
Plumbing Retrofits: Low-Flow Fixtures Meet IPC, UPC Standards
