Outdoor Water Use Reduction

(1-2 points)

Intent

To reduce outdoor water consumption.

Requirements

Reduce outdoor water use through one of the following options. Non-vegetated 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.

Option 1. No irrigation required (2 points)

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

OR

Option 2. Reduced irrigation (2 points)

Reduce the project’s landscape water requirement (LWR) by at least 30% from the calculated baseline for the site’s peak watering month. Reductions must first be achieved through plant species selection and irrigation system efficiency as calculated in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense Water Budget Tool. Additional reductions beyond 30% may be achieved using any combination of efficiency, alternative water sources, and smart scheduling technologies.

Table 1. Points for reducing irrigation water

Percentage reduction from baseline	Points
30%	1
50%	2

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