Inside building water consumptions for promoting rational use

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper presents the results of a survey on domestic water consumption inside buildings covering some countries in European and American continents, namely Portugal, United States of America – USA and Brazil. A survey in literature was performed focusing information on water consumption for urban use, and then to those based on studies and measurements on real use, so that consumption compiled data would represent as closest to the real. Some studies were identified and in which one was found the percentage of water consumed in the various activities carried out within the buildings, either by simple activities performed by residents, as well by appliances that add up the heaviest services automatically (dish and clothes washers). The data analyses enabled a comparison with different internal water uses, thus supporting a classification of use in a manner to be possible to highlight those that must be supplied with potable water from those that do not require non-potable water. It was reported, on average, that 75% of domestic consumption in homes can be provided by potable water and another 25% likely to use non-potable water. In conclusion it is noted that for the first part of residential water consumption there is a range of possibilities to promote the rational use of water by adopting measures involving design, saving water equipment and educational campaigns. For the second part it was highlighted the use of rainwater as an alternative.