TECHNOLOGIES FOR ENERGY-

EFFICIENT BUILDINGS

Water Conservation

DEEPIKA VERMA (15001506003) M. Arch. (2015-17), 2nd Sem, Department of Architechture, Deenbandhu ChhotuRam University of Science & Technology,Murthal

Safe Drinking Water Is Scarce: 70% of the world's surface is covered by water, 97.5% of that is salt

water. Only 2.5% of that is freshwater, almost 68.7% is frozen in ice caps and glaciers. Only 1% of the total water resources on earth are available for

human use. Up to 30% of fresh water supplies are lost due to leakage in developed

countries, and in some major cities, losses can run as high as 40% to 70%.

About 90% of sewage and 70% of industrial wastes in developing countries are discharged into water courses without treatment, often polluting the usable water supply.

More than one billion people in this planet do not have access to safe drinking water

Water conservation : Water conservation refers to the preservation, control and development of water resources, both surface and groundwater, and prevention of pollution.

Water conservation encompasses the policies, strategies and activities made to manage fresh water as a sustainable resource, to protect the water environment, and to meet current and future human demand. Population, household size, and growth and affluence all affect how much water is used. Factors such as climate change will increase pressures on natural water resources especially in manufacturing and agricultural irrigation.

Water conservation refers to any beneficial reduction of water usage, loss or waste. It also includes the strategies and activities to manage and protect water resources to meet the demand for human consumption. It is necessary because it is in shortage and the demand for it is expanding with the rapid increase in world population.

Another method for implementing water conservation is by improving water management practices. These improve the use of water resources to benefit people and the environment. Conserving water is important because water is a finite and vulnerable resource that sustains life, economic development and the environment.

Water conservation needs to be a way of life, not just something we think about once in a while. If we all do our part in conserving water, we can make a huge difference for the environment. Water conservation means using our water wisely and caring for it properly. Since each of us depends on water for life, it is our responsibility to learn more about water conservation and how we can help keep our water pure and safe for generations to come. Since we all enjoy the benefits of having pure, clean water, we must help conserve water so that we may continue to enjoy these benefits.

WHY CONSERVE WATER? We shouldn’t leave the responsibility of saving water on our government agencies and policy makers alone. There are many ways wherein we can save water at home, business, farm, industries, etc. It is a resource that is a benefit to everyone. Without fresh water you will die in just a few days. water equals life To save money. Lower consumption means lower water bills. To keep rates low. Maximizing current water supplies helps defer the

need to develop new, more expensive sources of water. To prepare for a drought. Many areas of the country have experienced

drought conditions in the past few years. Water conservation helps prepare for these worst of times.

To comply with regulations. Many states and local regulators have established efficient water use regulations

Protecting our natural eco-systems from further damage is critical, especially for the survival of some endangered species. The oceans, streams and lakes that are the lifeblood of so many local eco-systems are used as dumping grounds, hurting everything that relies on these water sources. The great pacific garbage patch is a great example of the worst side of our wasteful practices.

Conserving water can also save energy. In order to pump the water from a central facility into your home or office, energy is required to run that equipment.

Strategies for Water Conservation : Behavioural practices 1. Decreasing run-off losses: Huge water-loss occurs due to run-off on most of the soils, which can be reduced by allowing most of the water to infiltrate into the soil. This can be achieved by using contour cultivation, terrace framing, water spreading, chemical treatment or improved water-storage system.

2. Reducing evaporation losses: This is more relevant in humid regions. Horizontal barriers of asphalt placed below the soil surface increase water availability and increase crop yield by 35-40%. This is more effective on sandy soil but less effective on loamy sand soils. A copolymer of starch and acrylonitrile called ‘super slumber’ has been reported to absorb water up to 1400 times its weight. The chemical has been found to be useful for sandy soils.

3. Storing water in soil: Storage of water takes place in the soil root zone inhumed regions when the soil is wetted to field capacity. By leaving the soil fallow for one season water can be made available for the crop grown in next season.

4. Reducing irrigation losses: a) Use of lined or covered canals to reduce seepage. b) Irrigation in early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation

losses. c) Sprinkling irrigation and drip irrigation to conserve water by 30-50%. d) Growing hybrid crop varieties with less water requirements and

tolerance to saline water help conserve water. e) Leave some ground idle and apply the saved water to high- value crops. f) Use soil-moisture monitoring equipment to measure how much moisture

is in the soil. g) Know each crop’s tolerance of drought stress and irrigate accordingly.

5. Reuse of water: a) Treated wastewater can be used for ferti-irrigation. b) Using grey water from washings, bath-tubs etc. for watering gardens,

washing cars or paths help in saving fresh water.

6. Preventing wastage of water: This can be done in households, commercial buildings and public places:

a) Closing taps when not in use. b) Repairing any leakage from pipes. c) Using small capacity flush in toilets.

7. Increasing block pricing: The consumer has to pay a proportionately higher bill with higher use of water. This helps in economic use of water by the consumers.

8. Always turn taps off tightly so they do not drip.

9. Promptly repair any leaks in and around your taps. (One leak can waste several thousand litres of water per year.)

10. Use an aerator and/or a water flow-reducer attachment on your tap to reduce your water usage.

11. When hand-washing dishes, never run water continuously. Wash dishes in a partially filled sink and then rinse them using the spray attachment on your tap.

12. If you have an electric dishwasher, use it only to wash full loads, and use the shortest cycle possible. Many dishwashers have a conserver/water-miser cycle.

13. When brushing your teeth, turn the water off while you are actually brushing. Use short bursts of water for cleaning your brush. (This saves about 80% of the water normally used.)

14. When washing or shaving, partially fill the sink and use that water rather than running the tap continuously. (This saves about 60% of the water normally used.)

15. Use either low-flow shower heads or adjustable flow-reducer devices on your shower heads. (They reduce flow by at least 25%.)

You can reduce water usage by 40% to 50% by installing low-flush toilets.

16. Wash only full loads in your washing machine. Use the shortest cycle possible for washing clothes, and use the "suds-saver" feature if your machine has one.

17. Use only cleaning products that will not harm the environment when they are washed away after use. Look for "environmentally friendly" products when shopping.

technical practices Monitoring: Provides baseline information on quantities of overall company water

use, the seasonal and hourly patterns of water use, and the quantities and quality of water use in individual processes.

Baseline information on water use can be used to set company goals and to develop specific water use efficiency measures.

Monitoring also raises employee awareness. Records of meter readings can be used to identify changes in water use

rates and possible problems in a system.

Submetering: The practice of placing water meters throughout a facility is called

submetering. Submetering helps account for water usage and can help in the process

of leak detection. Areas to consider submetering are landscaped areas, cafeterias,

laundries, and major industrial equipment that use water. Submetering makes water users more aware of how much water they

use and its cost. By placing meters and monitoring those meters throughout a facility,

experts estimate that a facility can help reduce water usage by 20 to 40 percent.

Meter Accuracy: Water meters can be damaged and deteriorate with age, thus producing

inaccurate readings. All meters, especially older meters, should be tested for accuracy on

a regular basis. Meters that are used to measure large volumes of water may be too

large for a customer's level of use and will tend to under-register water use.

A Meter testing, calibration, repair, and replacement program needs to be established.

Leak Detection

Repairing leaks saves money on water bills. The early detection of leaks also reduces the chances that leaks will cause major property damage.

A leak detection strategy needs to employ regular on-site testing methods for detecting leaks along water distribution mains, valves, services, and meters.

Leak detection programs are especially important in facilities that have large, old, deteriorating systems.

Water Recycling

Water Reuse

Xeriscaping Xeriscaping is landscaping and gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation. Xeriscape plants in appropriate planting design, and soil grading and mulching, takes full advantage of rainfall retention.

Reducing Water Pressure

Reducing excessive pressures in the water distribution system can save a significant quantity of water.

Reducing water pressure can decrease leakage, the amount of flow through open faucets, and stresses on pipes and joints that may result in leaks. Lower water pressure may also decrease system deterioration, reducing the need for repairs and extending the life of existing facilities.

Lower pressures can help reduce wear on end-use fixtures and appliances.

Employee Participation And Public Awareness.

Start off your awareness program with a letter to all employees from the head of the company showing full support of the plan.

Use bulletins, newsletters, and paycheck stuffers to communicate policies, programs, ideas etc.

Hold staff meetings to communicate your company’s water conservation plan and progress in water savings.

Promote a suggestion and incentive system and recognize people who have water saving ideas.

Distribute water conservation booklets.

Water Audits

The purpose of a water audit is to accurately determine the amount of unaccounted-for water (UAW) in a water distribution system.

Audits of large-volume users : Begin by identifying the categories of water use for the large-volume user. These may include process, sanitary, domestic, heating, cooling, outdoor, and other water uses.

Second, a water audit should identify areas in which overall water use efficiency can be improved through alternative technologies or practices.

Large-landscape audits : Effective audit programs can save 10 to 20 percent for both general industrial water usage and for large landscape water audits.