Outdoor water use reduction

Intent

To reduce outdoor water consumption.

Requirements

Reduce outdoor water use through one of the following options. Nonvegetated surfaces, such as permeable or impermeable pavement, should be excluded from landscape area calculations. Athletic fields and playgrounds (if vegetated) and food gardens may be included or excluded at the project team’s discretion.

If landscape irrigation is not submetered, use Option 2.

Establishment

Option 1. No irrigation required (2 points except Healthcare, 1 point Healthcare)

Show that the landscape does not require a permanent irrigation system beyond a maximum two-year establishment period.

Option 2. No irrigation meter installed: calculated water budget (1–2 points)

Use the existing landscape to calculate the landscape water requirement using the EPA WaterSense Water Budget Tool.

Install an irrigation meter.

Option 3. Irrigation meter installed (1–2 points)

The baseline is established using the annual average of at least 3 years of consecutive data out of the last 5 years.

Performance

Option 1. No irrigation required (2 points)

None.

Option 2. No irrigation meter: calculated water budget (1–2 points)

Points are earned according to Table 1.

Option 3. Irrigation meter installed (1–2 points)

Demonstrate a reduction in outdoor water use over the most recent 12 months compared with the established baseline. Points are earned according to Table 1.