30 HEALTH AND SANITATION
Drought-proofing the Southeast US
By
Mike Flenniken
Smart water for a more resilient future.
David Viola, IAPMO CEO In the spirit of sharing the unique experiences that shape the plumbing industries in our respective nations, the following article examines the increasing need for resilient water infrastructure as storms grow more intense and frequent. Written by IAPMO senior Communications specialist Mike Flenniken, it is the next in a regular series of similar articles that will run in this magazine.
Dave Viola IAPMO CEO
As drought conditions become increasingly common across parts of the Southeast, US, communities are being forced to rethink how they manage and use water. With growing populations and shifting climate patterns placing greater strain on municipal water supplies, the need for sustainable water efficiency measures has never been more pressing. Fortunately, a combination of advanced plumbing technologies, rainwater catchment systems and greywater reuse solutions can help homes and businesses significantly reduce their dependence on potable water sources while ensuring long-term resilience.
Need for efficiency The US’ Southeast has traditionally been known for its humid climate and abundant rainfall, but prolonged droughts are becoming more frequent and severe. Cities like Charlotte, North Carolina and regions of northern Georgia have already experienced water restrictions and supply concerns, underscoring the importance of adopting smarter water-use strategies. By integrating water-efficient plumbing systems and implementing conservation measures, communities can better withstand dry spells while also reducing the financial burden of high-water costs.
“ There are so many areas of the US that are facing increasing drought situations – and the Southeast is part of that – so we want to use our best efforts with proven water-efficiency technologies to try to lessen that load on the potable water demand,” IAPMO executive vicepresident of industry relations & business development John Watson said.
Rainwater catchment Rainwater harvesting systems offer a reliable way to supplement municipal water supplies, particularly in areas prone to drought. These systems collect and store rainwater from rooftops and other surfaces, making it available for non-potable uses such as landscape irrigation, toilet flushing and even laundry. In some cases, filtered and treated rainwater can also be used for potable applications, reducing household demand on municipal supplies.
Standards such as ARCSA / IAPMO 63-2020: Rainwater Catchment Systems provide guidelines for the safe design, installation and maintenance of rainwater harvesting systems, ensuring that they are effective and compliant with public health requirements. The adoption of these systems can help municipalities reduce demand on overburdened water infrastructure while providing homeowners with a resilient, decentralised source of water during drought conditions.
“ Offsetting municipal water use can include providing irrigation water and other non-potable water needs,” ARCSA International executive director Heather Kinkade said.“ With purification, it can also help meet potable water demands. Rainwater harvesting systems can even be used for firefighting water supplies, supplementing or replacing municipal water in times of need. If there are water rations, irrigation needs can still be met through a rainwater harvesting system. When passive water collection methods are used— like capturing stormwater in rain gardens— plants may survive longer without added water or require less to thrive.”
Grey water reuse In addition to rainwater harvesting, grey water reuse offers another opportunity to enhance water efficiency. Grey water – wastewater from sinks, showers and washing machines – can be filtered and repurposed for irrigation or flushing toilets, reducing the need for potable water in nondrinking applications. This approach can significantly lower household water demand and provide an additional buffer against supply shortages.
IAPMO / ANSI Z1324: Alternate Water Source Systems for Multi-Family, Residential, and Commercial Use, establishes performance criteria for grey water and other reuse applications, ensuring these systems operate safely and efficiently. The widespread adoption of grey water systems can help reduce stress on municipal water supplies while promoting sustainability in new and existing developments.
Right-sizing systems Water efficiency isn’ t just about using less – it’ s also about designing smarter. Many existing plumbing systems are oversized, leading to excessive material use and water waste. Tools such as the IAPMO Water Demand Calculator help communities in areas like Charlotte and northern Georgia adopt rightsized plumbing designs, reducing both construction costs and long-term water use.
In fact, the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District— which includes the Metro Atlanta region— adopted the Water Demand Calculator as an“ acceptable design method” from the IAPMO / ANSI 2020 Water Efficiency and Sanitation Standard for the Built Environment( WE • Stand),“ which accounts for the demands of water-conserving plumbing fixtures, fixture fittings, and appliances”. If future versions of the Water Demand Calculator should be amended to include other building types, such as commercial, the updated versions shall be considered an acceptable design method.
The Water Demand Calculator addresses water quality issues attributed to lower flows in oversized premise plumbing while simultaneously using less water and energy, representing the most impactful innovation in pipe sizing in nearly a century. It is the result of a multi-year effort to develop a new statistically based pipe sizing method stemming from a need to address profound water safety and wasted water and energy concerns resulting from oversized water supply pipes in homes and buildings.
Saving water makes sense A simple but effective way to improve water efficiency is by using products that have received a WaterSense label from the US Environmental Protection Agency( EPA). Products
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