Page 68 - 2020 SDCA Project

Plumbing Systems

While we are not anticipating any changes to the existing bathrooms, we

would recommend that changing the existing fixtures with new low flow fixtures

would be a good idea. Toilets can be 1.28 gal/flush while urinals can utilize a 1

pint/flush. All faucets can be replaced with aerated faucets for less water

usage. There should be some type of controls on the lavatory faucets to

prevent them being left on inadvertently. This can be battery powered sensors,

or a mechanical type of control. Dual-flush toilets can be utilized in single toilet

rooms where adults are the main users.

The large low-sloped flat roofs will be ideal to collect rainwater, and the low

side will be directed via gutters and leaders to an above-ground storage tank

for on-site irrigation. We are proposing above-ground collection tanks at both

courtyards. Ideally, they would be elevated on a stand under the gutter drain

so that a gravity feed would take it to the point of use in these areas. This

would also be a visible teaching example of how the system operates. A more

ambitious system would pipe multiple gutter drains into a large underground

storage tank, which would then be filtered and pumped to the various

vegetated areas around the site for irrigation. We would love to see both
systems utilized if possible.

There are also a number of ways to provide hot water for domestic use. There

does not seem to be a need for large volumes of hot water, as the kitchen will

not be used and there are no laundry or shower or large locker rooms

anticipated (with exception of the gym, if this function is maintained). Point of

use, in line instant hot water might be a good solution for this reason. If larger

volumes are needed, we would recommend tankless hot water or a PV solar

thermal system be used.

SDCA 68