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

What plumbing fixture standard(s) will yield the greatest water savings for private lavatory and aerators?

1. NSF Standard

2. ASHRAE Standard

3. EPA Water Sense Standard

4. LEED Standard

The correct answer is: EPA Water Sense Standard

The choice of the EPA WaterSense Standard is aimed at achieving significant water savings, particularly for plumbing fixtures like private lavatories and aerators. This standard is specifically developed to identify and promote water-efficient products that perform effectively while using less water compared to conventional products. Fixtures that meet the WaterSense criteria typically use 20% less water than the current federal standard while ensuring that they maintain comparable performance, thus directly contributing to water conservation efforts. In contrast, while the other standards might address various facets of plumbing fixtures or performance, they do not have the same focused objective on water efficiency. NSF standards typically govern safety and health aspects but do not specifically target water conservation. ASHRAE standards might offer guidance on HVAC and energy efficiency but do not center on plumbing fixture performance regarding water usage. LEED standards acknowledge water efficiency but rely on third-party certifications, such as WaterSense, for actual plumbing fixtures, rather than providing direct specifications. Thus, the EPA WaterSense Standard stands out as the optimal choice for maximizing water savings in this context.