18 STANDARDS
SANS 3088:2019 Water Efficiency in Buildings
By
Rory Macnamara
SANS 3088 , introduced in 2019 , provides for minimum requirements for plumbing fixtures and fittings and for water usage in buildings .
The standard is a bit odd in that its references throughout are to SANS 10252 : 1 so the question arises , why 3088 ?
It is no secret that there was some concern around this standard when it was first mooted especially as we have had 10252:1 & 2 in place for some years now . It does cover a wider spectrum of sector than just plumbing .
Nonetheless it exists , and further normative references are :
• SANS 1808-58 – water supply and distribution system components : in-line strainers .
• SANS 10400-A The application of the National Building Regulations – Part A : General principles and requirements .
• SANS 10252-1 Water supply and drainage for buildings Part 1 : water supply installations for buildings .
• SANS 1186-1 Symbolic safety signs Part 1 : standard signs and general requirements .
Notwithstanding the above , certain points are made : The maximum volume of the cistern shall not be less than 4.5l .
All flow rates for emergency fixtures and fittings shall not be reduced below the manufacturer ’ s specification . All taps will be fitted with aerators ( excluding outdoor taps )
It is expected that the plumbing system is in working order without leaks . The inline strainer must be fitted as required in 10252 .
Included in the standard are the mean average rainfall ( mm ) throughout South Africa and of great importance is the Annexure A which gives the occupancy / building classification . These are referred to in the standard under various categories .
Critical to rainwater harvesting every tank and outlet must have the symbolic PV5 sign with the words DO NOT DRINK / INGOZI alongside . This includes water neutral swimming pools , vehicle Wash facilities and fire sprinkler systems .
The standard also covers HVAC systems and equipment , emphasising that potable water may NOT be used , with reference to heat exchangers , steam condensate and boiler blow down except for initial charge where potable water is recycled .
It is very clear that , once again , the class of occupancy or building classification must be adhered to isolating valves will comply with 10252-1 and certain classes of buildings shall be fitted with a pressure control valve . Maximum pressure not to exceed 600kPa .
In past technical articles the issue arose around manufacturers COP being in laboratory conditions . As with COP in heat pumps , solar and other equipment in 3088 the annual Mean rainfall in cities and towns must be seriously considered and when designing and installing rainwater harvesting systems . PA
The standard addresses the matter of Rainwater Harvesting by providing annual average rainfall pa and minimum storage capacities .
“ All flow rates for emergency fixtures and fittings shall not be reduced below the manufacturer ’ s specification .”
Critical to rainwater harvesting every tank and outlet must have the symbolic PV5 sign with the words DO NOT DRINK / INGOZI alongside .
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline August 2021 Volume 27 I Number 6