Page 26 - PDZA Sustainable Aquarium Brochure

CONSERVING WATER: A BIG DEAL

A discussion about the performance of a new A traditional building will use potable water
aquarium is not complete without discussing from the public utility for all uses including
the effort made to conserve potable water flushing fixtures and irrigation. Meanwhile,
use. Conserving potable water is important rainwater is either sent to a storm sewer or to a
because this quality of drinking water typically combined sanitary and storm sewer. Figure 11
has a significant amount of embodied energy illustrates a Sankey diagram for the traditional
associated with it. Think about the energy site water flow scenario.
required to filter, treat and pump the water that is
delivered to your tap. In California for example,
20% of the energy consumed by the entire state is
needed to provide potable water.

Figure 11—Baseline Site Water Flow Sankey Diagram

26 AQUARIUM OF THE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE: PUBLIC FACILITIES DESIGNED TO EMBODY CONSERVATION