1- Which of the following are often considered types of blackwater?

A. Municipally reclaimed water

This is a type of recycled water that can be used for flushing or irrigation (not drinking).
B. Water from kitchen sinks

Water from kitchen sinks is often defined as blackwater.

C. Process water for cooling towers

Process water is not blackwater.

D.Dishwasher water

Treatment and definitions of blackwater vary - in some jurisdictions, blackwater is

wastewater generated from toilet flushing; in others, it includes water from kitchen sinks or
laundry facilities. It is distinct from greywater or sullage, the residues of washing processes.
Check with local codes for the area's definition of blackwater.
Notes:

Blackwater definitions vary, but wastewater from toilets and urinals is always considered blackwater.
Wastewater from kitchen sinks (perhaps differentiated by the use of a garbage disposal), showers,
laundry, or bathtubs is considered blackwater under some state or local codes.
2- What types of products should be selected for reducing indoor water use?

A. Green-e
B. ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers use about 37% less energy and use over 50% less
water than regular washers.
C. WaterSense

WaterSense is an EPA certification awarded to fixtures that use less water than comparable
fixtures.
D.ISO

3- To help with water use reduction in LEED, a lavatory faucet must use less water than the rates
set by:
 A. WaterSense

WaterSense is an EPA certification awarded to fixtures that use less water than comparable
fixtures. LEED does not use this certification for the baseline rate calculations.
B. Clean Water Act

The Clean Water Act does not address flush/flow fixtures.

C. EPAct of 1992

EPAct 1992 is the standard used to calculate baseline water usage, not the design case.
EPAct 1992 mandated the use of water conserving plumbing fixtures in residential,
commercial and industrial buildings. The answer choice of 'Installing fixtures that meet the
EPAct 1992 standard' only meets the baseline standard and does not contribute to reducing
potable water use for the purposes of earning LEED credits.

The fixture and flow rates of EPAct 1992 are used to set the water use baseline for a
building. The design case must reduce water use 20% over the baseline. In order to do this,
low flow fixtures must be used in the design, or replacing potable water with
graywater/rainwater. Think of the fixtures and flow rates of EPAct 1992 as the worst case
scenario.
D.Local code

The rates of local codes are not used to set the baseline rate for water use reduction
calculations.

4- What is an environmental benefit of using graywater for irrigation?

A. Reduced heat islands

Using potable or non-potable water for irrigation does not impact heat islands.
B. Increased irrigation efficiency

The type of water does not determine the irrigation efficiency. The type of irrigation system
(drip, conventional, etc) does.
C. Preserving aquifers

An aquifer is an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock or unconsolidated

materials (gravel, sand, silt, or clay) from which groundwater can be usefully extracted using
a water well. Aquifers are critically important in human habitation and agriculture.

Water efficient landscaping helps reduce the need from potable water from local and
regional aquifers. LEED rewards projects for reducing potable water (drinking water) use for
landscaping. Reducing potable water use preserves aquifers for future generations.
D.Drip irrigation can be used
 Drip irrigation does not require a specific type of water. Potable or non-potable (graywater)
can be used.

5- What strategy to control and reduce runoff will hold water and reduce the rate of runoff?

A. Direct runoff into dry ponds

A dry pond (detention pond) is used to store excess rainwater. Dry ponds are basins whose
outlets have been designed to detain runoff for some minimum time (e.g., 24 hours). The
rainwater will slowly seep into the ground to recharge aquifers or discharge as determined
by the pond design to allow pollutants to settle. Unlike wet ponds, these facilities do not
have a large permanent pool of water.
B. Install pervious pavement

Pervious pavement is designed to allow percolation or infiltration of rainwater through the

surface into the soil below where the water is naturally filtered and pollutants are removed.
This would reduce the rate but not hold any water.
C. Increase the area of permeable surfaces

Increasing permeable surfaces reduces the rate of runoff but this strategy does not retain
the water.
D.Reduce the size of the building footprint

Reducing the building footprint will reduce impervious surfaces. This reduces the rate but
does not hold water.

6- If a developer is looking for water efficient appliances to install in residences what label should
they look for on the appliances?

A. LEED Certified
B. ENERGY STAR
C. Green-e
D.EPA Approved

7- What project design strategy would minimize a project's water usage the most?

A. Installing a landscape that needs no irrigation

A landscape that requires no irrigation uses less water.

B. Increasing the area of permeable surfaces

This strategy can help with rainwater management.

C. Directing runoff into retention ponds or bioswales

This strategy helps with rainwater management.

D.Minimize the quantity of hardscapes on the project site

This strategy helps with rainwater management and increasing open space.
8- A restaurant is located on the second floor of a building. How can the project team decrease
indoor water use demand?

A. Use rainwater for toilet flushing

Rainwater can offset potable water use but it does not reduce the demand.
B. Place restrooms on the first floor of a building

Restroom location does not impact water demand.

C. Install high efficiency toilets

High efficiency toilets have a tremendous water savings over conventional flush fixtures
(water closets, toilets, conventional urinals). They accomplish the same task but by using
less water (efficiency).
D.Use graywater for washing dishes

Graywater can offset potable water use but it does not reduce the demand. Additionally you
can't use graywater to wash dishes because it is non-potable.

9- Which of the following would be considered graywater?

A. Untreated laundry water

Graywater is defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as untreated house-hold

wastewater which has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks.

Graywater includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, and water
from clothes-washer and laundry tubs. It does not include water from kitchen sinks or
dishwashers.
B. Water from a dishwasher

This is blackwater.
C. Air conditioning condensate

This is a source of non-potable water for uses such as irrigation.

D.Recycled water from the city

This is just recycled water.

10- What type of water is rainwater?

A. Graywater

Graywater is defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as untreated house-hold

wastewater which has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks.

Graywater includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, and water
 from clothes-washer and laundry tubs. It does not include water from kitchen sinks or
dishwashers.
B. Blackwater

Blackwater is waste water from toilets and urinals. Water that has come in contact with food
through kitchen sinks and dishwashers is usually classified as blackwater.
C. Potable water

Potable water is water which is fit for consumption by humans and other animals. It is also
called drinking water, in a reference to its intended use. Water may be naturally potable, as
is the case with pristine springs, or it may need to be treated in order to be safe.
D.Non-potable water

In most jurisdictions rainwater is considered non-potable.

11- Which of the following is effective at reducing potable water use indoors?

A. Installing submeters

Water submeters by themselves do not reduce use. They are a tracking and information tool
to help inform design decisions.
B. Installing fixtures that meet the EPAct 1992 standard

EPAct 1992 is the standard used to calculate baseline water usage, not the design case.
EPAct 1992 mandated the use of water conserving plumbing fixtures in residential,
commercial and industrial buildings. The answer choice of 'Installing fixtures that meet the
EPAct 1992 standard' only meets the baseline standard and does not contribute to reducing
potable water use for the purposes of earning LEED credits.

The fixture and flow rates of EPAct 1992 are used to set the water use baseline for a
building. The design case must reduce water use 20% over the baseline. In order to do this
low flow fixtures must be used in the design, or replacing potable water with
graywater/rainwater. Think of the fixtures and flow rates of EPAct 1992 as the worst case
scenario.
C. Implementing cooling tower water management

Cooling tower water management is part of process water reduction.

D.Installing low-consumption flush fixtures and low-flow rate faucets

The intent of the Water Efficiency category is to reduce potable water demand (not increase
it).

Low-flow fixtures help reduce potable water consumption indoors.

12- In LEED which approach is taken in the Water Efficiency category to conserve water?

A. Treating and reusing wastewater on site

B. Efficiency first

For both energy efficiency and water efficiency, LEED requires an efficiency-first approach.
Efficiency is 'doing the same with less'. After efficiency, the focus should then be placed on
other ways to reduce demand.

For example, with outdoor water irrigation, if the design only calls for using rainwater
irrigation, that doesn't improve the efficiency of the irrigation system, resulting in less water
use. First design the landscape to use less water, than look at ways to reuse water to further
reduce demand.

For building energy use, you can increase efficiency by using LED lighting, ENERGY STAR
appliances and equipment, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and high-efficiency boilers.
C. Using nonpotable water first
D.Using alternative sources of water first

13- In many buildings the most significant savings associated with water efficiency result
from:

A. Reduced energy costs

Energy is used to heat, cool, and distribute water within a building. Water heating in
commercial buildings accounts for 15% of total energy use (CBECS). Reducing the quantity of
water used has a direct impact on the energy it takes to heat, cool, and distribute the water.

Municipal energy is also saved because less water must be treated at sewage plants.
B. Keeping contaminants at safe levels in reservoirs and aquifers

This would be an environmental benefit.

C. Reduced maintenance costs

This is not the greatest economic savings.

D.Reduced development costs

This is not the greatest economic savings.

14- Submeters are a strategy to reduce outdoor water use by:

A. Preventing irrigation runoff

A submeter does not prevent irrigation runoff. A submeter only tracks water use.
B. Providing weather-based irrigation control
 Submeters do not provide weather based control.
C. Providing water consumption tracking and leak identification

Designing an efficient irrigation system is the first step towards outdoor water savings.
Metering and monitoring allow the operations team to verify the system is working as it was
designed. Overwatering is more typical than under watering but both can lead to problems.
Only through metering and analysis will the real benefits be realized of the design.
D.Billing tenants based on their portion of building occupancy

15- What are the benefits of reducing potable water use in buildings?

A. Reduced contamination of nearby water bodies

Contamination of nearby water bodies would be caused by sedimentation.

B. Reduced drawdown of water from water bodies and aquifers

Less water is taken from nature which helps preserve the environment for future
generations.
C. Increased irrigation efficiency

The type of water does not affect the efficiency of an irrigation system.
D.Decreased building operating costs

When low flow fixtures and fittings are used, the quantity of water that needs to be heated
is reduced thereby decreasing energy consumption.

16- Which of the following is the appropriate way to document whether a bathroom sink
qualifies for an indoor water use reduction?

A. By occupancy calculations
B. By choosing the product manufacturer in LEED online
C. By fixture cut sheets

Part of the documentation process for water saving fixtures is to include the manufacturer's
cut sheets that describe the water-saving aspects of the fixture.
D.By submitting the total quantity of fixtures

17- What types of water should be prioritized for irrigation?

A. Graywater

Graywater is water from laundry machines or showers that is not suitable for drinking, but
can be used for other purposes such as irrigation and flushing toilets. Graywater is defined
by the International Plumbing Code and Uniform Plumbing Code. Some states and local
codes have differing definitions.
B. Blackwater

Blackwater is water from toilets or kitchen sinks that has not been treated.
C. Potable water
 Potable water usually comes from wells or municipal supplies and should not be used for
irrigation. Onsite waste water treatment systems can turn rainwater, graywater, and
blackwater into potable water as well.
D.Rainwater

Rainwater can be collected in cisterns and used for irrigation purposes if local code allows it.

18- During the integrative process, which of the following improvements in water efficiency
would most likely need to be researched to confirm that they are legal to implement within the
project?

A. Site conditions
B. Alternative water sources

Early in the design process, project teams need to establish a water balance and see what is
legal within the project for reclaimed water, black water, graywater collection, and rainwater
harvesting.

If these items are not addressed early and a graywater collection system is already being
constructed under the building, it can't necessarily be easily or cheaply removed.
C. Fixtures and fittings
D.Submetering

19- The baseline water use of a toilet is:

A. 1.6 gpf (6 lpf)

1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) (6 lpf) per the EPAct of 1992.
B. 2.2 gpm (8.3 lpm)
C. 2.2 gpf (8.3 lpf)
D.1.6 gpm (6 lpm)

20- A rainwater harvesting system can help with:

A. Reducing potable water use indoors

Rainwater can be diverted into cisterns or other storage tanks for use in landscaping, inside
for fixture flushing, and for process water needs.
B. Runoff management

Rainwater cisterns (tanks) can be used as a structural measure to remove pollutants from
runoff.

The most effective method to minimize runoff volume and treatment requirements is to
reduce the amount of impervious area.
C. Reducing heat islands
 Rainwater harvesting does not reduce the heat island effect.
D.Improving site restoration

Rainwater harvesting does not help restore sites.

21- Which factor would increase outdoor water use?

A. Installing submeters

Submeters help monitor and identify issues with irrigation.

B. Using low-impact development (LID) strategies

Low-impact development (LID) is 'an approach to managing rainwater runoff that

emphasizes on-site natural features to protect water quality by replicating the natural land
cover hydrologic regime of watersheds and addressing runoff close to its source. Examples
include better site design principles (e.g., minimizing land disturbance, preserving
vegetation, minimizing impervious cover) and design practices (e.g., rain gardens, vegetated
swales and buffers, permeable pavement, rainwater harvesting, soil amendments). These are
engineered practices that may require specialized design assistance.' - USGBC
C. Using turfgrass for groundcover

Turfgrass requires large amounts of irrigation and would impact the project's ability to
reduce outdoor water use.
D.Increasing planting density

Increasing plant density helps retain rainwater.

22- Indoor water use reductions require projections based on which of the following:

A. Occupants' usage

When calculating indoor water use baselines or design cases, the calculations are based on
the number of occupants in the building using the fixtures (50 employees, 600 students,
etc.).
B. The cost of potable water
C. The number of fixtures installed
D.The gross area of the building

23- What strategies will not reduce the use of potable water for irrigation?

A. Replacing permeable pavement with turf grass

The installation of turf grass will increase the watering needs of the landscape.
B. Using rainwater for irrigation

Rainwater can be collected and used for irrigation if local codes allow it.
C. Installing native plants
 Native plants require less irrigation, less fertilizer, and less maintenance than non-native
plants. Native plants thus reduce the need for potable water use for landscaping, and
reducing water use for landscaping in general. Native plants can be used to restore
previously developed sites to increase open space.
D.Using graywater for irrigation

Graywater can be used in some jurisdictions for non-potable uses such as irrigation.

Graywater is defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as untreated house-hold

wastewater which has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks.

Graywater includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, and water
from clothes-washer and laundry tubs. It does not include water from kitchen sinks or
dishwashers.
24- Indoor plumbing fixtures need to have which of the following labels for LEED?

A. Green-e

Green-e certification is for RECs.

B. Building Green

Building Green is a resource for building materials, not a certification.

C. LEED Certified

LEED Certified is for buildings.

D.WaterSense

WaterSense makes it easy to find and select water efficient products and ensures consumer
confidence in those products with a label backed by independent certification.

Products with the WaterSense label:

Perform as well or better than their less efficient counterparts.

Are 20% more water efficient than average products in that category.
25- An owner of a large 1970's apartment building wants to renovate the space to make it
green. The cost of the replacing all of the porcelain plumbing fixtures is going to be cost-
prohibitive for the owner. What can the project team suggest as an alternative to reduce
potable water use?

A. Install submeters
B. Install new flush valves
C. Install ENERGY STAR ovens and refrigerators
 D.Install new low-flow aerators
E. Install solar hot water heaters

26- Which of the following project designs would help with both rainwater management and
municipal water use reduction?

A. Underground parking
B. Submetering
C. Vegetated roof
D.Rainwater harvesting

Rainwater harvesting can help with rainwater management by keeping the rainwater on site
and reducing the rate of runoff. If allowed, harvested rainwater can assist in irrigation to
help with recuding municipal water use for outdoor water needs.

27- The baseline water use of a urinal is:

A. 2.2 gpm (8.3 lpm)

B. 1.0 gpm (3.8 lpm)
C. 2.2 gpf (8.3 lpf)
D.1.0 gpf (3.8 lpf)

1.0 gallons per flush (gpf) (3.8 lpf) per the EPAct of 1992.

28- Occupancy calculations may be needed for which of the following project
documentations?

A. Water metering
B. Bicycle facilities
C. Surrounding density
D.Indoor water use

Notes:

Indoor water use may require occupancy calculations to determine the baseline and design case
usage.

When calculating the number of bicycle storage units required for occupants and visitors the
occupancy count is needed.
29- What is the EPAct of 1992 used for?

A. To define the VOC content limits of certain building materials

Manufacturers provide these.

B. To define ODP and GWP limits for refrigerants
 Process water is 'water that is used for industrial processes and building systems, such as
cooling towers, boilers, and chillers. It can also refer to water used in operational processes,
such as dishwashing, clothes washing, and ice making.' - USGBC
D.Recycled water

33- Which of the following is considered potable water?

A. Municipally recycled water used for landscape irrigation

Recycled water is non-potable water. This type of water is often supplied by purple pipes
which indicate the water is not fit for drinking.
B. Water from a local well that meets EPA's drinking water quality standards that is used for
lavatory faucets

One of the goals of the Water Efficiency credits is to reduce the water taken from subsurface
sources such as wells and natural aquifers. Water that meets EPA's drinking water standards
is fit for human consumption and is considered potable.
C. Harvested rainwater used for flushing toilets

Harvested rainwater is non-potable and does not meet EPA's drinking quality standards.
D.Wastewater from water closets

This is just wastewater, which makes it non-potable.

34- Who decides if water from showers can be used for irrigation?

A. USGBC via the CIR process

B. Local authorities with jurisdiction in the area

Blackwater does not have a single definition accepted nationwide. Adjacent cities may have
different codes that allow or prohibit the use of sink/shower water for non-potable uses. On
jurisdiction may define sink/shower water as blackwater and not permit its use, while
another may define it as graywater and will permit its use. Review local codes before making
design decisions based on the use of wastewater.
C. Universal plumbing code
D.Project team

35- A project that reduces the amount of wastewater transported off site helps achieve
which of the following?

A. A reduction in the need for graywater used on site

B. A reduction in energy required to treat wastewater
C. A reduction in the demand for potable water
D.A reduction in the demand for wastewater treatment infrastructure

Notes:
 For this question, think about the water leaving the site. What is the result?

1) Reduced energy to treat that wastewater

2) Reduced demand for wastewater treatment infrastructure.

Both of these reduce GHG and other pollutants created by water transportation and treatment
facilities, which in turn improves quality of life for humans and lessens environmental burdens.
36- WaterSense labels apply to what products?

A. Washing machines
B. Irrigation submeters
C. Showerheads
D.Toilets
E. Private lavatory faucets

37- The addition or increasing the use of graywater in a building can help with:

A. Reducing rainwater harvesting

Graywater is unrelated to rainwater.

B. Reducing runoff

Graywater is unrelated to runoff.

C. Reducing potable water used by urinals

Graywater can be used for flushing in water closets and urinals, or process water needs for
some systems.
D.Reducing potable water use in faucets

Graywater would not be recycled for people to use for hand washing.
Notes:

Graywater is defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as untreated house-hold wastewater which
has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks.

Graywater includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, and water from
clothes-washer and laundry tubs. It does not include water from kitchen sinks or dishwashers.
38- What can help reduce indoor potable water use?

A. Installing a green roof

A green roof does not impact the baseline indoor water use.
B. Installing reduced-flow aerators on lavatory faucets
 Retrofitting/designing a building with flow-restrictors and reduced-flow aerators helps
reduce water use.
C. Installing a blackwater system

This would help with wastewater management.

D.Replacing fixtures with salvaged toilets manufactured in 1992

Fixtures made pre-1993 do not comply with EPAct 1992 and are less efficient than many
newer fixtures.

39- An owner is questioning the additional costs of submetering of a mixed-use project's

water systems. For what reason should the submeters be installed?

A. Identifies disparities between how a project's water-based systems are designed to operate
and how they actually perform
B. The integrative process does not work without submetering data
C. Submetering is a Minimum Program Requirement
D.LEED requires metering by subsystem of all energy and water based systems

Subsystems are not required to be metered in LEED; only building level metering is required.

In LEED v4 building level energy and water metering is a prerequisite.

In LEED v2009 sharing energy and water use with USGBC is a Minimum Program
Requirement (via utility statements or metering data).
Notes:

One of the intents of water metering is to determine if a building is performing as designed.

40- If a project owner wants to create a landscape with plants that require watering, which
of the following is the minimum outdoor water reduction from a baseline required for a new
office project?

A. 10%
B. 20%
C. 40%
D.30%

41- Which of the following is a type of graywater?

A. Rainwater collected in a retention pond

This is rainwater.
B. Rainwater collected and held in a cistern

This is rainwater.
 C. Wastewater that has not come in contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks

Graywater is defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as untreated house-hold

wastewater which has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks.

Graywater includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, and water
from clothes-washer and laundry tubs. It does not include water from kitchen sinks or
dishwashers.
D.Wastewater from urinals

This is blackwater.

42- Which of the following are sources of graywater?

A. Wells

Well water is usually potable water.

B. Washing machines

This is usually classified as graywater depending on local code.

C. Toilets

Toilet water that is flushed becomes blackwater.

D.Municipal potable water supply systems

This is potable water, just like it says.

E. Showers

Shower water that goes down the drain is then classified as graywater, depending on local
code.
Notes:

Graywater is water from laundry machines or showers that is not suitable for drinking, but can be
used for other purposes such as irrigation and flushing toilets.

Graywater is defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as untreated house-hold wastewater which
has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks.

Some states and local codes have other definitions.

43- Harvesting rainwater can help with what project areas?

A. Minimizing impervious areas

Harvesting rainwater is not a strategy to reduce the size of a project's impervious areas
(hardscapes) such as parking lots or walkways.
B. Reducing fertilization needs for the landscape
 Using rainwater for irrigation is not a factor in the quantity of fertilization a landscape will
require.
C. Minimizing site hardscapes

Harvesting rainwater is not a strategy to reduce the size of a project's impervious areas
(hardscapes) such as parking lots or walkways.
D.Reducing runoff

Harvesting rainwater for uses such as toilet flushing, landscape irrigation, and custodial
uses reduces the quantity of runoff.

44- The baseline water use of a lavatory faucet is:

A. 1.0 gpm (3.8 lpm)

B. 2.2 gpm (8.3 lpm)

2.2 gallons per minute (gpm) (8.3 lpm) per the EPAct of 1992.
C. 1.0 gpf (3.8 lpf)
D.2.2 gpf (8.3 lpf)

45- Which of the following would a landscape architect use to measure the outdoor water
use of a project?

A. IPC and UPC codes

B. EPAct 1992
C. Local historic records
D.EPA WaterSense Water Budget Tool

The WaterSense Water Budget Tool is a free online tool to help calculate the percent of
outdoor water use reduction in LEED.

The water budget approach serves as a design tool, allowing the professional to design a
sustainable landscape based on a regionally appropriate amount of water. A water budget is
a site-specific method of calculating an allowable amount of water to be used by the
landscape and then designing the landscape to meet this budget. The budget takes into
account plant type, plant water needs, irrigation system design, and applied water that the
landscape receives either by irrigation or by precipitation. Water budgets must be associated
with a specified amount of time, such as a week, month, or year.
46- What landscaping strategy will best eliminate the need for irrigation?

A. Mulching

Mulching helps retain moisture for plants, but it is not the BEST strategy from the choices
given.
B. Micro-irrigation
 Micro-irrigation and drip irrigation are both irrigation techniques.
C. Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping is a landscaping method that employs drought-resistant plants to minimize or

eliminate water use.
D.Drip irrigation

Micro-irrigation and drip irrigation are both irrigation techniques.

47- What type of plants do the most to help reduce water use for landscaping?

A. Native plants

Native (or indigenous) plants are those that grow naturally in an area, or that have been in
an area for many years. Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pest control. These
plants can be trees, shrubs, flowers, or grasses. Adaptive plants are non-native plants that
perform well in the local climate. Native and adaptive plants require less water, and are
more disease resistant because they are suited to the region's usual rainfall, soil, and
temperature.
B. Annual flowers
C. Trees
D.Turf grass

48- Which of the following is NOT a strategy for reducing potable water use for irrigation?

A. Install building-level metering

Building level metering will track the whole building's water use but not allow a
determination regarding whether the irrigation potable water use is being reduced.
Irrigation water use would have to be tracked separately.
B. Use treated wastewater
C. Only use grass for play fields or other activities that require turf
D.Install smart-sensor technology

49- Which of the following occupants would be classified as an FTE?

A. A full-time cafeteria worker

B. A part-time salesman
C. A full-time telecommuter
D.A museum visitor

Notes:

Another way of posing this question is to ask who is in the building full-time (40 hours per week)?

A full-time equivalent (FTE) represents a regular building occupant in a project building. An FTE of 1.0
means that the person is equivalent to a full-time worker, while an FTE of 0.5 signals that the worker
is only half-time.

Transient occupants (visitors, guests), along with full-time equivalents, are used when calculating
reductions in water usage and some alternative transportation credits.
50- Rain gardens, vegetated rooftops, and permeable pavements are strategies to manage
rainwater and contribute to:

A. Increased potable water

Some of these strategies can help capture nonpotable water.

B. More compact development

These strategies do not contribute to compact development.

C. Low impact development

LID is 'an approach to managing rainwater runoff that emphasizes on-site natural features
to protect water quality, by replicating the natural land cover hydrologic regime of
watersheds, and addressing runoff close to its source. Examples include better site design
principles (e.g., minimizing land disturbance, preserving vegetation, minimizing impervious
cover), and design practices (e.g., rain gardens, vegetated swales and buffers, permeable
pavement, rainwater harvesting, soil amendments). These are engineered practices that may
require specialized design assistance.' - USGBC
D.Increased water efficiency

Water efficiency can be accomplished by efficient irrigation, efficient plumbing fixtures,

graywater use, etc.

51- What minimum indoor water savings are LEED projects required to achieve?

A. 0%
B. 20%

The Water Use Reduction prerequisite requires a 20% reduction of the design case compared
to the baseline case.
C. 10%
D.15%

52- What unit of measurement is used for toilets?

A. FTE

Full-time equivalent (FTE): A regular building occupant who spends 40 hours per week in
the project building. Part-time or overtime occupants have FTE values based on their hours
 per week divided by 40. Multiple shifts are included or excluded depending on the intent
and requirements of the credit. (-USGBC)
B. Wastewater efficiency

There is no such term as wastewater efficiency in LEED.

C. Gallons per flush (liters per flush)

From the EPAct standard of 1992, the baseline flush rate for water closets is 1.6 gpf (gallons
per flush). For urinals the flush rate is 1.0 gpf.
D.Gallons per minute (liters per minute)

Gallons per minute is a measurement of flow fixtures such as faucets.

53- The installation of water submeters in a building will provide the facility manager with
the ability to do each of the following EXCEPT:

A. Pinpoint leaks
B. Track consumption
C. Determine fixture performance
D.Evaluate the quality of captured rainwater

To determine the quality of the water, a water test would need to be done.

54- What types of water can NOT be used for flushing toilets?

A. Graywater

Graywater is defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as untreated house-hold

wastewater which has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks.

Some states and local codes have other definitions.

Graywater includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, and water
from clothes-washer and laundry tubs.

We receive many questions on this graywater issue - does the soap from showers matter,
what if someone washed diapers in the laundry - the main points to remember are 1) that
the definition of graywater includes shower and laundry water; and 2) that LEED allows
graywater use.
B. Blackwater

Once a toilet is flushed, the water becomes blackwater. However the water cannot be cycled
back for more flushing unless it has been treated first.
C. Non-potable water
 Non-potable water such as rainwater or graywater is a great choice for offsetting potable
water use in toilet flushing if local code permits it.
D.Rainwater

Rainwater is a great choice for offsetting potable water use in toilet flushing if local code
permits it.

55- What can help reduce indoor potable water use?

A. Gravity-based irrigation system

B. Composting toilets

The indoor water efficiency credits address both reducing potable water use through water
conserving fixtures (efficiency), and offsetting potable water use by using graywater,
rainwater, and recycled water.

Waterless urinals and composting toilets have a tremendous water savings over conventional
flush fixtures (water closets, toilets, conventional urinals).

Composting toilets are not practical for many applications, such as high-rise buildings.
C. Smaller kitchen sinks
D.Stacking the building design

56- Designers and builders can construct green buildings that use significantly less
municipal water than conventional construction by performing which of the following actions?

A. Installing water-efficient fixtures

B. Incorporating native landscapes that eliminate the need for irrigation
C. Reducing the site's runoff volume

This is part of rainwater management. If the choice was to implement rainwater harvesting
with the runoff, that would be a correct response. Just reducing runoff alone doesn't equate
to a project using less water.
D.Decreasing the number of fixtures in a project

Decreasing fixtures does not decrease their use; it just increases the time people have to
wait to use the bathroom.
E. Installing water meters

Installing water meters does not reduce demand. It helps building owners make informed
decisions about water use.
F. Using graywater and/or rainwater for nonpotable water needs
57- Potable water is defined as:

A. Water that is not treated to drinking water standards and is not meant for human
consumption

This is the definition of non-potable water.

B. Water that meets or exceeds EPA's drinking water standards

Potable water meets or exceeds EPA's drinking water standards. Potable water can be used
for any purpose, though the intent of the water efficiency credits is to reduce the use of
potable water.
C. Wastewater from bathroom sinks, laundry machines, kitchen sinks and dishwashers

Water that has come in contact with food through kitchen sinks and dishwashers is usually
classified as blackwater.
D.Untreated house-hold wastewater which has not come into contact with toilet waste or
kitchen sinks
This is graywater.

58- Which of the following reduces outdoor water use while also improving the triple
bottom line?

A. Using well-water for irrigation

Using well-water reduces local aquifers and potable water supplies. LEED credits try to avoid
this.
B. Replacing vegetated areas with impermeable pavement

Decreasing open space and replacing it with impermeable pavement would have a negative
effect on the environment.
C. Using permeable pavement for all parking spaces

Installing permeable pavement does not reduce outdoor water use.

D.Installing a landscape that doesn't require a permanent irrigation system

If the landscape doesn't require permanent irrigation, this would reduce outdoor water use,
and thus improve the environmental aspect of the triple bottom line.

59- For which of the following credit areas would a site plan be submitted for
documentation?

A. Acoustic design
B. Demand response
C. Outdoor water use reduction

The landscape area would need to be documented to show the types of plants, the different
areas of vegetation, where irrigation will go, etc.
D.Furniture reuse
 60- What type of water can NOT be used for irrigation purposes?

A. Rainwater
B. Blackwater

Waste water from toilets and urinals is considered blackwater and cannot be used for
irrigation (unless it has been treated first).
C. Potable water
D.Laundry water

Notes:

Graywater is defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as untreated house-hold wastewater which
has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks.

Graywater includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, and water from
clothes-washer and laundry tubs. It does not include water from kitchen sinks or dishwashers.

We receive many questions on this graywater issue - does the soap from showers matter, what if
someone washed diapers in the laundry - the main point to remember is that the definition of
graywater includes shower and laundry water and that LEED allows graywater use.
61- What unit of measurement is used for a lavatory faucet?

A. Gallons / liters per minute

Gallons per minute is a measurement of flow fixtures such as faucets.

From the EPAct standard of 1992, the baseline flow rate for a lavatory faucet is 2.2 gpm
(gallons per minute).
B. Gallons / liters per flush

From the EPAct standard of 1992, the baseline flush rate for water closets is 1.6 gpf (gallons
per flush). For urinals the flush rate is 1.0 gpf.
C. Process water rate

There is no such term as process water rate in LEED.

D.Design efficiency

There is no such term as design efficiency in LEED.

62- Which of the following are strategies for conserving potable water?

A. Installing an onsite septic system

 A septic system does not reduce potable water use. It reduces the quantity of wastewater
that must be treated by municipal sewage plants.
B. Installing a bioretention pond

A bioretention pond helps with rainwater management by slowing the rate at which
rainwater leaves the site.
C. Installing a dual flush toilet

A dual flush toilet has two different flow rates depending on the type of waste. These toilets
can use less potable water than a standard toilet.
D.Increasing the infiltration of runoff

Increasing the infiltration of runoff does not reduce potable water use. It only improves the
quality of the runoff.

63- What is a strategy for water efficient landscaping?

A. Use drip irrigation

Water efficient landscaping helps reduce the need from potable water from local and
regional aquifers. Drip irrigation is a highly effective way to deliver water to a plant's roots
because the water isn't lost to the wind, evaporation, or runoff.
B. Treat wastewater onsite

LEED rewards projects that treat wastewater onsite. The treated wastewater can be used for
irrigation purposes if local code permits it. However just treating wastewater onsite doesn't
lead to more efficient irrigation.
C. Use potable water

LEED rewards projects for reducing potable water (drinking water) use for landscaping.
Reducing potable water use preserves aquifers for future generations.
D.Create a pond on the property

Creating a pond is a good strategy for rainwater management.

64- What information would a project team need to successfully implement both rainwater
management and outdoor water use reduction?

A. Occupancy counts

Occupancy counts are not needed for either.

B. Precipitation data

The knowledge of how much rain falls on the site will be needed for rainwater management.
This information also helps the landscape designer determine the type of irrigation, plant
selection, and areas of vegetation.
C. Water balance

Water balance is a goal of not using any more water on a site that falls as precipitation.
 D.Location of indoor submeters

This is not needed for outdoor water use reduction.

65- Which of the following does a facility operator need in order to optimize water
consumption?

A. The operating times of the building

This would not help.

B. The schedules of the occupants

Occupant schedules do not matter. If 300 people work 9 to 5 or if 300 people work over a
span of 24 hours, their total water consumption is the same.
C. Fixture cutsheets of waterless urinals

This would not help optimize consumption because the urinals are already installed.
D.Submetering of water-using systems

To optimize systems, the systems must be measured. Submetering helps monitor which
systems are using more water than others, which are using too much water, and which may
have leaks.