What is a common feature of water-efficient buildings?

In the context of water-efficient buildings, reducing reliance on municipal water is a key feature that underscores sustainable water management practices. These buildings often implement strategies that emphasize the use of alternative water sources—like rainwater harvesting, graywater recycling, and onsite water treatment systems—thus minimizing the need to depend on city water supplies. By utilizing these alternative resources, a water-efficient building not only conserves potable water but also reduces the environmental impact associated with extracting and distributing municipal water.

In contrast, high water usage fixtures would lead to greater water consumption, undermining the goals of water efficiency. Advanced wastewater treatment systems, while beneficial, are not as universally implemented and do not directly imply a reduction in municipal water reliance. Increased outdoor landscaping could also lead to higher water consumption, especially if not designed with xeriscaping or drought-resistant plants in mind, instead of promoting water conservation. Hence, reduced reliance on municipal water clearly stands out as a hallmark of water-efficient buildings.