LEED AP with Operations and Maintenance (O+M ) Practice Exam

Makeup water refers to water used to replace evaporated water in systems such as cooling towers or ponds. Using stormwater runoff from the ground surface as makeup water should be avoided because it can contain numerous contaminants that can negatively impact system performance and water quality. Stormwater runoff often collects pollutants from the surface it flows over, including oils, heavy metals, sediments, and chemical residues. When this water is introduced into cooling systems or similar applications, these contaminants can create operational issues, lead to corrosion, promote biological growth, or even result in regulatory violations due to improper discharge or treatment of contaminated water. In contrast, rainwater can be collected and treated for use in various applications, and well water is generally considered a safer choice as it is drawn from underground sources that typically have fewer surface pollutants. Graywater, while also requiring adequate treatment, can be recycled and used for non-potable applications, making it less problematic than stormwater runoff.