The intent of this credit is to choose water-conserving fixtures and/or incorporate rainwater or graywater systems to minimize the demand on potable water sources.

Requirements for Certification:

Reduce potable water consumption by 20% (WEc3.1) or 30% (WEc3.2).

Successful Strategies:

• Dual flush water closets
• Ultra low-flow water closets and urinals
• Waterless Urinals
• Sensor-operated, Low-flow lavatories
• Rainwater collection reuse systems
• Graywater reuse systems

Helpful Hints:

1. The water use reduction percentage in WEc3 addresses all flow and flush fixtures in the building (Exclude irrigation and building process loads such as dishwashers, lab sinks, washing machines, etc.).
2. Simple strategies include, but are not limited to, aerators, flow restricters, low-flow showerheads, 0.5 gallon per flush urinals or low-flow water closets. More aggressive strategies may include pressure assisted water closets, waterless fixtures and dual flush water closets.
3. Complete water use calculation comparison between design and baseline case to determine water reduction and to revise design specifications to achieve desired water reduction.

Historical Data (updated June 2006):

• 73% of all California LEED Certified projects achieved WEc3.1 for LEED v2.1.
• 64% of all California LEED Certified projects achieved WEc3.2 for LEED v2.1.

Additional EDR Resources

Case Studies: Public Agency Demonstrates Resource Efficiency Through Innovative Design

Case Studies: An Integrated Campus Benefits From Its Desert Environment

Case Studies: Multi-Agency Library Benefits from Daylighting Strategies

Case Studies: Teaming Up with Nature

Case Studies: Thinking Outside the Box

Design Briefs: Design For Your Climate