Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction, LEED BD+C: Core and Shell, LEED BD+C: Schools, LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors, LEED O+M: Existing Buildings

Rating System Version

v3 - LEED 2009, v3 - LEED 2008, v2 - Schools 2007, v2 - LEED 2.2, v2 - LEED 2.0

Inquiry

We are seeking clarification on the use of municipally provided non-potable water for achieving WEc3 under the LEED NC version 2.2 rating system. Use of municipally supplied non-potable water meets the intent of limiting or eliminating the use of potable water and reduces the burden on municipal water supplies. However, currently, the Reference Guide does not give clear direction with concern to WEc1, WEc2 & WEc3 and municipally supplied water: WEc1 states that water savings can be claimed through the use of "water treated and conveyed by a public agency specifically for non-potable uses." WEc2 states that water savings can be claimed through the use of "municipally treated wastewater." WEc3, however, makes no statements as to whether municipally supplied recycled water can count towards water saving calculations. However, the synergies between WEc2 and WEc3 calculations leads one to conclude that municipally supplied wastewater can be used for both credit calculations. Our project will be using municipally supplied non-potable reclaimed water for both irrigation and sewage conveyance (toilet flushing). Can you please clarify whether municipally supplied reclaimed water can be used to achieve both WEc3.1 and WEc3.2?