What can help reduce indoor potable water use?

The choice of installing reduced-flow aerators on lavatory faucets is a significant measure for reducing indoor potable water use. This is because reduced-flow aerators are designed to limit the flow of water from the faucet without sacrificing the quality of the water stream. By adjusting the flow rate, these aerators minimize water consumption during handwashing and other activities, thereby conserving potable water resources.

In contrast, installing high-flow aerators would increase water usage, as they allow more water to flow through faucets, negating the intended effect of water conservation. Using traditional showerheads typically results in higher water flow rates compared to modern, water-efficient showerheads, leading to increased water consumption. Similarly, regular toilets generally do not incorporate the water-saving technologies present in newer, low-flow models, resulting in greater water use per flush.

Thus, implementing reduced-flow aerators directly aligns with LEED’s objectives of promoting water efficiency and conservation within buildings.