FEMP etraining Core Course Course Supplement Course: FEMP06 Duration: 3.5 hours Learning Units: 3.5 LU Prerequisites: None HSW: Yes FEMP CEUs:.40 CEU FEMP06 Managing Water Assessments in Federal Facilities Focused on managing the Water Assessment process in Federal facilities, this course assists the Federal Energy and Facility Manager to comply with executive orders and legislative mandates and meet the requirements of Section 432 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. This course provides details on a five-step process for conducting, or managing the conduct of, a comprehensive water assessment including developing a water balance, conducting a walkthrough survey, developing water conservation measures and long-range plans for water efficiency. This course focuses on key applications in the Federal sector, incorporating best practices and practical advice from experts in Federal water assessments. Water efficient technologies are discussed, as are models and templates for contracting for water assessment services. The instructor for this course is Kate McMordie Stoughton, CEM, LEED AP at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). She is a water efficiency engineer with PNNL where she develops and instructs water resource management workshops, develops strategic plans for water management at Federal sites, and assists with Federal policy guidance. Ms. McMordie Stoughton holds a B.S. in civil engineering from the University of Colorado and is a Certified Energy Manager and a LEED Accredited Professional. Kate McMordie Stoughton Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Learning Objectives By completing this course you will learn to manage the process for conducting a water assessment in a Federal building including: planning and/or managing a water assessment at a Federal site; developing a water balance based on knowledge of the water distribution system for the facility and using available information such as utility bills and metered data; planning and/or managing walk-through surveys that address building plumbing fixtures, laboratory equipment, cooling towers, and irrigation; developing a plan for improving water efficiency using the water balance and the walk-through survey findings; identifying water efficient technologies and assessing the economics of each technology so implementation of the technologies can be prioritized; learning the basic components of contracting comprehensive water assessments through private water management firms. 1
Module 1 1.1 Managing Water Assessments in Federal Facilities: Module 1: The importance of Water Efficiency The Federal Energy Management Program is pleased to offer this online training course on Managing Water Assessments in Federal Facilities. This course will help you understand the steps involved in managing a successful, Water Assessment. In this first module, we will discuss the importance of water efficiency, including Federal requirements and mandates. We will cover the entire water distribution system impacting water efficiency on a Federal site and discuss the importance of the benefits to be achieved from water efficiency improvements. 1.2 Navigation Instructions 1.3 Managing Water Assessments Hello, my name is Kate McMordie Stoughton and I will be your instructor for this FEMP course on water assessments. In my role as a water efficiency engineer at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, I have had the opportunity to participate in water assessments at Federal facilities around the country, and I want to share what we have learned. As you complete this course, you will develop competency in planning for a water assessment at a Federal site. You will learn the important steps of planning the assessment collecting and analyzing data, conducting a water balance, completing a walkthrough survey, and developing a plan for water efficiency improvements. We will review some of the latest water efficient technologies, and how to contract for services to support the water assessment process. Throughout the course, I will focus on practical advice and proven strategies for effective water assessments in the Federal sector. Be sure to click on Notes from the Field as I share practical experiences in conducting assessments. 1.4 Water is a Finite Resource Although two-thirds of the Earth s surface is water, less than one-half of one percent of that water is currently available for our use. As the U.S. population increases, so does our water use, making water resources increasingly scarce. Many regions of the U.S. already feel the strain. By using water wisely, reducing water waste and by choosing more water-efficient products, we can protect this life sustaining resource. 1.5 Importance of Water Efficiency in the Federal Government The Federal Government uses an estimated 148 to 165 billion gallons of potable water annually. This is equal to the annual water use of a State the size of Michigan. FEMP considers water efficiency to be an integral part of every Federal energy management program. This is, in part, because water requires significant energy input for treatment, pumping, heating, and process uses. Water is also integral to the cooling of power plants that provide energy to our facilities. To process and use this water, Federal facilities use an estimated 138.3 billion Btus of energy annually. Heating water accounts for 98% of this energy. With moderate efficiency efforts, the Federal Government could conserve approximately 40% of its water and related energy use, or 60 billion gallons of water annually. 1.6 Benefits of Water Efficiency Being efficient with water use not only benefits the environment, it benefits the site s budget, reducing both energy and water utility bills. Simple improvements 2
such as fixing water leaks, switching to more efficient equipment, and educating building occupants on better habits can have huge impacts on the facility s overall efficiency. Switching to water-efficient products and fixtures, alone, can reduce water consumption by 15%, energy costs by 10% and operating costs by 12% according to a McGraw Hill study conducted in 2010. 1.7 Legislative and Executive Orders Concerning Water Efficiency There are a series of legislative and executive order mandates concerning water and water use. As you plan for your water assessment, you will want to establish goals for water efficiency that meet or exceed these mandates. Roll over the dates on the timeline to review some of the key requirements. 1.8 Agency and Site Goals In addition to Federal mandates, Federal agencies develop specific goals through the Strategic Sustainability Performance Plans. You may want to learn more about specific agency goals in planning your water assessment. And your site goals are key. Individual sites may be grappling with issues such as a leaky and aging water distribution system. Irrigation may be a vital issue to tackle an outdated irrigation system can consume a great deal of potable water. And with the heating of water being a factor in overall energy efficiency, looking at reducing the amount of heated water may be a key goal for the site. 1.9 A Site Water Distribution System Now, let s take a look at a typical water distribution system. It s important to understand how water is supplied to a facility, how it is used, and discharged. These factors make a facility s water system different from its energy system. Water can be lost through leaks, can be reused, and wastewater is generated and discharged. These factors need to be clearly understood in conducting a water assessment. On the next slide and we will start at the beginning of the water distribution by examining where water originates and where it goes. 1.10 Water Terminology In this example, there are two sources of water being supplied to the facility: Potable and Non Potable water. These two types of water sources are used for many purposes. Water can also be reused in applications within the system. Water discharged from one process can be recycled within the equipment or reused in another application. As water travels through the distribution system, it can be lost through leaks within the piping infrastructure or at the equipment level. Ultimately, water used in applications is either lost through evaporation (as in the case of irrigation) or is discharged to a wastewater treatment facility. 1.11 Identify Key Water Terms Drag and drop the correct term for each example. 1.12 Purpose of Water Assessments An assessment of the water distribution system will help you better understand the relationship of water supplied to your site and how water is used by specific applications and equipment, including plumbing fixtures, landscape irrigation, cooling towers, commercial kitchen equipment, and process applications. 3
1.13 The Water Assessment Process A Federal facility water assessment involves 5 key components. It begins with planning and analysis of available data to set the stage for entire process. The next step is the development of a water balance. This tracks water use through the entire water distribution system. Walkthrough surveys are used to study each piece of water-using equipment and record key data. Use the data gathered in these steps to develop water conservation measures and an overall plan to improve water efficiency. While not the focus of this course, the water assessment is not complete until the plan is implemented, and measurement and verification of the results are reviewed. This is a cyclical process, so as you finish the implementation of conservation measures, you begin to assess other opportunities. 1.14 Results of the Water Assessment As we have seen, the water assessment consists of a series of activities that results in the establishment of water conservation measures and a comprehensive plan for improving your site s water efficiency. In Module 2, we will discuss how to get an assessment underway at your site. End of Module 1 Module 2 2.1 Getting a Water Assessment Underway Module 2 - Getting a Water Assessment Underway. In this module, you will learn about the preliminary steps in conducting the water assessment, including forming a team, collecting key information necessary to conduct the assessment, and analyzing the site utility bill. 2.2 Navigation Instructions 2.3 Forming the Water Assessment Team An important first step is to select the right members of your team. Form a multi-disciplinary team to provide expertise and knowledge in various areas needed for a thorough assessment. Each team member must be committed to the effort; have the ability or authority to put recommendations into action; and have time to dedicate to the effort. Consider whether you have the inhouse expertise to conduct the assessment, or if you need to contract for this expertise. If you decide to use outside consultants, make sure to contract with a water management firm that has prior experience in the Federal sector or has worked on facilities similar to your own. 2.4 Key Assessment Team Members An assessment team should include a management representative who should buy-in to the effort and be a good communicator. Include O&M staff who know the facility and equipment operations inside and out, including grounds and maintenance staff. Include facilities personnel who have access to all needed areas, as well as a thorough working knowledge of all systems, equipment, and operating histories. Other department representatives should be considered as well. For example, if your campus contains laboratories, include a staff scientist who can provide a perspective on how water is used for research. If a site has a commercial kitchen and cafeteria, include food service personnel responsible for that space. Environmental and sustainability staff can also provide critical input. 4
You may choose to conduct the water assessment using on-site staff. However, you may require expertise that is not internally available, and need to contract for outside expert services. In the final module of this course, we ll discuss how to contract for water management services. 2.5 Gathering Key Information Before beginning the actual water assessment, gather key resources to inform the process. Collect water utility bills and any available trending of those bills. Gather information on electricity and natural gas rates, as well as related costs such as chemicals for water treatment. Reports from prior assessments that have been conducted will be useful. What were the previous findings? Which improvements have been implemented? Which have not? Information on the building, site, or campus should include available drawings and plans, geographic system information, irrigation system diagrams, and water distribution system diagrams. Collect information on the building inventory and operations. This should include the type of building, age, square footage, floor plans, location of meters, waterusing equipment inventories, operating schedules, and occupancy data. The more complete the information, the better. All this data will be used when conducting the assessment. 2.6 Utility Bill Analysis Utility bills will provide critical information about water use and costs. Rollover the hotspots to learn more about the types of information critical to informing your water assessment. 2.7 Utility Rate Structures Utility rate structures directly impact the cost of water. There are three basic types of rate structures. First a flat or uniform rate structure is one that charges the same, no matter how much water you use. Second a declining rate structure is one where the utility charges specific rates for specific blocks of water use. With each block of water, the rate gets cheaper. This type of rate structure is common for large industrial users, and essentially ensures a lower cost. Third, an inclining rate structure is becoming more common among water utilities that have water scarcity issues. This type of rate structure also has distinct blocks of water use, similar to the declining rate structure; however, with each block of water use, the rate increases and so it rewards conservation. It s very important to thoroughly analyze your bill and understand what your rate structure is so that when you conduct the economic analysis, you use the right rate. For example, if you have an inclining rate structure and your conservation project puts you into a lower tier, make sure to use the appropriate rate for that tier. 2.8 Activity - Calculating the Marginal Cost of Water Your site and your sister site use 7 million gallons of water per month. Recently you have found an opportunity to save 1 million gallons per month. Using your rate structure, calculate your monthly charge and your marginal cost and select the correct response. 5
2.9 Activity - Marginal Rate calculation and Savings per Month Your site and your sister site use 7 million gallons of water per month. Recently you have found an opportunity to save 1 million gallons per month. Using your rate structure, calculate your monthly charge and your marginal cost and select the correct response. 2.10 Module 2 Summary In this module, we covered how to develop a team with the right expertise; how to gather key information needed for the Water Assessment; and how to analyze the utility bill. In Module 3, you will learn about the water balance process, which analyzes water use through the site s distribution system. End of Module 2 Module 3 3.1 Understanding the Water Balance Process In this module, we covered how to develop a team with the right expertise; how to gather key information needed for the Water Assessment; and how to analyze the utility bill. In Module 3, you will learn about the water balance process, which analyzes water use through the site s distribution system. 3.2 Navigation Instructions 3.3 What Is a Water Balance? The water balance process involves several steps identifying all water sources coming into the site; measuring metered and unmetered water uses; estimating water losses; and completing a water balance profile. In this module, we will cover each of these steps in detail. 3.4 Overview of the Water Balance Federal sites are supplied with water that is utilized in many applications including drinking, sanitary, equipment operations, and fire protection. The distribution system for water includes the sources or supply of water, the mechanical or other means of moving water; the uses of water at the facility level; and the processing or treatment of wastewater. An important step in creating a water management plan is to establish a water balance for the facility. A water balance is a method to compare the total water coming into the site to water that is used by equipment and applications within the site. 3.5 What Flows In, Must Flow Out A water balance documents the flow of water in and out of the entire water distribution system to determine where and how water is being used and where it is being lost. As the saying goes, what goes in, must come out. 3.6 Water Balance Example A completed water balance provides a complete picture of how all water is being used. The information can be used to target large water users for water efficiency improvements, or to investigate unexplained losses, or to better understand the facility profile. This chart illustrates a typical example for a Federal site. 3.7 Estimating Supply The first step of the process is to identify and map all sources of water. Most sites will likely purchase potable water from a single water utility. But some sites may have multiple water sources. If so, identify all water supplies including wells, surface water, irrigation water, and reclaimed water. Keep track of potable and non-potable water separately. 6
Gather several years of monthly data from utility bills for purchased water and from logged meter data from on-site sources. For on-site metered data, gather information on meter type; frequency of reading; multipliers; calibration date; and age anything that can help you better understand the data recorded by the meter. If possible, verify that recording devices are operational and accurate. It is well worth the cost to have your meters calibrated to ensure accuracy. Next, quantify the water obtained from each source for each year, and determine a typical annual water use that can serve as a baseline for the assessment. 3.8 Total Supply by Month This graph, called an annual distribution curve, is an example of what a site s total water supply might look like on a monthly basis. The annual distribution curve provides insight on general water trends. This distribution curve shows that the site has a large summertime peak in water demand, which is most likely from irrigation and cooling. 3.9 Estimate Sub-metered Use After calculating the total water coming into your site, the next step is to identify and quantify sub-metered water use. Some buildings may be individually metered, cooling towers may meter the make-up water; the irrigation system may be metered. Meter all applications that currently are not. There may be reimbursable customers or tenants at your site that require metering for billing and invoicing purposes. Collect monthly data on all of these sources over the same time period that you collected the total water supply. Be sure to make necessary adjustments for any lag time in the metered data. 3.10 Estimate Unmetered Uses After determining the water consumption in your sub-metered uses, estimate large unmetered uses. Typical unmetered sources include landscaping and irrigation, cooling tower make-up, industrial processes, construction, fire fighting, street cleaning, and storm main flushing. Estimating the unmetered water use is necessary to understand the total impact to your overall water consumption and your site. Without doing so, the water balance is flawed. 3.11 Techniques for Estimating Unmetered Use Two basic techniques for estimating equipment water use are the discharge method and the batch method. The discharge method multiplies the equipment flow rate by the time duration and frequency of use. The batch method takes a given volume in each batch and multiplies it by the number of uses in the time period being assessed. 3.12 Resources for Estimating Unmetered Use There is a guidance document on the FEMP website that provides instruction on how to estimate landscaping and industrial unmetered use. These documents provide step by step instruction to estimate water use for landscape irrigation, cooling tower make-up, wash applications, and steam boilers, for example. 3.13 Estimating Unmetered Water Use Batch Method Your facility has an aging building that requires renovation. As a member of the Assessment Team, you ve been asked to estimate the total volume of water for a water truck that provides dust suppression to the renovation site. Estimate the volume of unmetered water using the batch method. Use the parameters in the table below to complete the Formula. 3.14 Two Types of Water Losses After estimating unmetered water sources, the next step is to estimate your losses. There are two types: Real, which is the physical escape of water; and 7
On Paper, which can either be an accounting error or a metering error. Roll over the hotspots to learn more about causes and solutions. 3.15 Techniques for Estimating Losses Measure water use during non-working or off hours. If there is significant flow during this time, it can likely be attributed to either leaks in the distribution system or losses at the equipment level. System losses can also be estimated using a zone flow procedure. Using this process, zones in the system are isolated and water is measured over a given period of time. 3.16 Creating an Annual Distribution Curve Once the root cause of the water loss has been determined, it is useful to create a graph showing the types of water loss over time. In this example, metered, unmetered, and unknown losses are shown by month. This type of distribution curve can help you better understand the nature of water loss and the potential causes. Regardless of the process used, if significant leaks are suspected, it may be best to obtain the services of a leak detection specialist to determine the sources of the leaks and the best correction options. 3.17 Annual Distribution Curve Exercise Here are 3 Annual Distribution Curves that represent different water use scenarios. Interpret each curve and match the curve to the correct scenario. Drag and Drop the correct answer to the box under each annual curve. 3.18 Summary Here are 3 Annual Distribution Curves that represent different water use scenarios. Interpret each curve and match the curve to the correct scenario. Drag and Drop the correct answer to the box under each annual curve. End of Module 3 Module 4 4.1 The Walkthrough Process and Completing a Water Balance Managing Water Assessments in Federal Facilities, Module 4, The Water Assessment Walkthrough Survey. In this module, we will discuss how to conduct the walkthrough part of the water assessment, how to survey water equipment, and how to make and document key observations. 4.2 Navigation Instructions 4.3 Objectives and Components of the Walkthrough Survey The objectives of the walkthrough survey are to collect the data necessary to estimate water use at the equipment level; to identify efficiency opportunities, and to learn about the facilities operation and maintenance practices related to water efficiency. The audit team becomes highly engaged during this step of the water assessment. The team holds meetings; conducts interviews, and makes detailed observations about water use and efficiency opportunities. Specific steps include: listing all water-using equipment; recording hours of operation and operating schedules; measuring equipment water flow rates whenever possible; noting equipment condition; writing down equipment model numbers; estimating gender splits in each significant building; and getting direct input from staff and facility users. 8
4.4 Team Meeting Purpose and Desired Outcomes Prior to beginning the walkthrough, ensure the team understands its purpose and review what has been discovered so far in the water balance process. Identify specific target areas to be conducted as part of the walkthrough survey that is a direct result of the water balance. Focus on the water equipment categories that will have the largest impact. The walkthrough is the best time to obtain input from site staff and facility users about important water issues the team has observed, and to begin developing a sense of the occupant culture and awareness of water efficiency. 4.5 Interview O&M Staff You can learn a great deal about a facility s water efficiency culture by talking informally with the O&M staff. Ask open-ended questions and then continue to probe. An initial question might be: When was this leak first detected? Then follow with probing questions such as: What action has been taken so far? What obstacles do you run into when trying to address a problem like this? What are your recommendations? You can also assess the O&M culture about using new water efficient technologies - are they open and excited or doubtful? 4.6 Collect Information on the Facility On the building walkthrough you will collect many different types of statistical and anecdotal information about the site. Make sure to capture critical data on: number of occupants; estimate of gender split; number of floors; number of restrooms on each floor; building and facility hours of operation; and lists of water using equipment in special areas, such as commercial kitchen, cooling tower, irrigation, and so forth. 4.7 Collect Information on Water Using Equipment The central part of the walkthrough survey is to record detail on each piece of water using equipment. During the walkthrough you will: list all water using equipment; record the hours of operation and operating schedules; measure water flow rates; record the condition of each piece of equipment; and record equipment identification information, including model number and manufacturer. 4.8 Water Using Equipment Areas When compiling your inventory of water using equipment, remember to include restroom fixtures; cooling towers; boilers; irrigation; single-pass cooling; vehicle wash station; kitchen; laundry facilities; pools; and laboratory and medical equipment. 4.9 Gender Split Water use in buildings is often driven by who is in the building. Collect information on the gender split of the building. Women use water differently than men because most buildings have urinals in men s restrooms, which use less water than toilets. 4.10 Special Considerations for Federal Facilities In addition to understanding the breakout of water using equipment, a Federal facility has many special areas to consider during a water assessment. Roll over the hot spots to identify each area of special consideration and what to look for during your walkthrough survey of Federal facilities. 4.11 Interviews with Building Occupants During the walkthrough, observe occupants behavior as part of your assessment of the overall awareness of water efficiency. Something as simple as turning off the water during hand washing is an indication of the culture. Ask simple questions about the user s experience with water efficient technologies. 9
Occupants will often have important and specific observations about their own buildings and the staff that manages them. 4.12 Concluding the Walkthrough By the end of the walkthrough survey, you will have collected water equipment data such as flow rates, occupancy figures, and operating schedules. You will have documented information on the condition of the equipment and how it is being operated, and you will have begun generating ideas for efficiency improvements. 4.13 Estimate Water Use for Each End Use Category Now that you have completed walkthrough survey data collection, the next step is to estimate annual water use for each major category such as plumbing fixtures, commercial kitchen equipment, irrigation, laboratory equipment, and cooling towers. The same batch and discharge method described in Module 3 can be used to estimate water use. For large, complex sites, estimate water use in one application and extrapolate the results to similar applications at the facility. 4.14 Estimating Water Use with a Flow Rate Calculation Now that your team has collected information from the walkthrough survey, estimate water use with a flow rate calculation. You ve been asked to estimate the flow rate of the shower heads in the locker rooms. Use the parameters in the table below to complete the Formula. Drag and drop the correct answer into the answer box. 4.15 Develop a Breakout of All Water End Uses to Understand Largest Water Consumption So now you have measured your total water supply and conducted a walkthrough survey assessing the water using equipment. Next, estimate the annual water use of these applications. This information will be used directly in the water balance. Remember, a water balance assesses what goes in and what come out of the system. The quantification of the water balance is simply the sum of the uses compared to the total supply coming into your system. The water balance will help to determine the biggest uses of water at your facility and help you understand your water losses. So after the walkthrough survey, estimate the water use of each end-use, making sure your units are consistent because you don t want to be adding up gallons and liters for example. Also make sure you re not double counting any uses. If you remember, you also collected a lot of data on your metered applications. You may have buildings or processes that are sub-metered. These sub-metered uses may be the same category as one you estimated, which would be double counting. After you have ensured your approach is sound, add up all of those pieces of data and then compare it to your total supply and see how close you get. The difference between the total supply and sum of the end-uses will provide you some insight on your system losses. 4.16 Completed Water Balance Example A Water Balance Pie Chart provides a pictorial view of various water uses. It also indicates where to focus attention to capture efficiency opportunities. Use the Water Balance Pie Chart to answer the questions. Drag and drop the correct answer to the box. 4.17 Summary of the Walkthrough Survey In this module, you have learned the steps to conduct a Walkthrough Survey, including gathering water use and equipment data; observing occupant behavior, and developing a water balance. All water using equipment was studied and 10
documented resulting in a graphical model of water end uses. In Module 5, we will review how water conservation measures will be identified and assessed and what to cover in the Water Efficiency Plan. End of Module 4 Module 5 5.1 Developing Water Assessments in Federal Facilities In this module, you will learn how to use the data collected during the walkthrough survey and water balance to determine how to drive improvements in water efficiency. You will learn how to identify water conservation measures; the components of, and process for, developing a Water Efficiency Plan; and resources to assist you in these efforts. 5.2 Navigation Instructions 5.3 Developing Water Efficiency Measures (WEMs) Identify Water Conservation Measures and assess opportunities that will provide the deepest savings for each major end use category that was identified in key areas of the water balance process. When making this assessment be sure to include operations and maintenance, retrofits, replacements, and opportunities for sub-metering. After you identify key water conservation measures, you will estimate the water and cost savings and run a life-cycle cost analysis for each potential measure. 5.4 Resources for Best Management Practice (BMPs) Whenever possible, replace outdated water using equipment with more efficient, advanced technologies. Begin by assessing efficient technologies that target the areas you identified as dominant water consumers in your water balance; and identify the most efficient and cost effective technologies to deploy. Roll over the hot spots to learn more about advanced water-efficient technologies. 5.5 Water Efficient Advanced Technologies Whenever possible, replace outdated water using equipment with more efficient, advanced technologies. Begin by assessing efficient technologies that target the areas you identified as dominant water consumers in your water balance; and identify the most efficient and cost effective technologies to deploy. Roll over the hot spots to learn more about advanced water-efficient technologies. 5.6 Document O&M Improvements and Repairs While investigating efficient technology retrofits and replacements, identify opportunities to improve O&M practices. Document these practices in updated O&M manuals and checklists. Each of the FEMP BMPs outlined earlier include good examples of O&M improvements. Use them as a starting point to generate site-specific ideas on how to improve O&M practices, optimize water conservation, and save money. 5.7 Estimate Water Savings of WEMs Using techniques described in modules 3 and 4, estimate the water use of the existing equipment and the projected water use of the water-efficient equipment you are assessing. Use information that you gathered during the walkthrough survey on the equipment operations, patterns, and use. Use this same information when calculating both the pre- and post- retrofit water use. The post retrofit water use will take into account the reduced water use of the new efficient equipment. This will typically be represented by the flow rate of the equipment. This information will also be used later in the life-cycle cost analysis. 11
5.8 BLCC Economic Analyses for WEMs A good tool for life-cycle cost analysis is the Building Life-Cycle Cost (BLCC) software estimating program or BLCC. The BLCC was developed to provide computational support for the analysis of Federal capital investments in buildings and includes the evaluation of costs and the economic benefits of water conservation projects. The BLCC contains information and standardized forms for outputs specific to Federal agency funding vehicles. The BLCC model allows you to input the data you developed during the assessment and runs a life-cycle analysis using pre-approved, standardized calculation methods. It also calculates valuable project indicators, such as savings to investment ratio and net present value. 5.9 Life Cycle Cost Analysis Indicators The life cycle cost analysis will provide specific indicators to evaluate the long-term benefit of a particular water conservation measure. The first key indicator is the savings to investment ratio or SIR. SIR is essentially a ratio of the total life cycle savings of the measure to the total installation cost. If the SIR is greater than one, then the project will save more money than the cost of measure, and therefore will be life cycle cost effective. The second key indicator is the net present value, or NPV. NPV is sum of the present value of the savings stream over the measure s life, minus the present value of investment stream. If the NPV is greater than zero, the project is life-cycle cost effective. 5.10 Consider Water Efficiency as a Part of Other Activities Incorporate water efficiency measures into existing or planned energy projects. Find out if your agency is developing plans for ESPC or UESC funded projects where water efficiency measures can be included. Incorporate water efficiency projects into any major renovation or retrofit and into new constructions projects wherever possible. 5.11 Improving Organizational Culture and Occupant Behavior Building occupants can have a significant positive impact on reducing water use at your site. Water and energy should go hand in hand. But often when facility managers help staff become more aware of energy efficiency, water efficiency gets neglected. Inform employees about the site s commitment to water efficiency, ongoing improvement programs, and program successes. Start a water conservation column in your newsletter and report how much water has been saved through the water management program. Communicate progress toward achieving water use reduction goals. Share information with employees on how water is used at your facility for each application. Armed with this information, employees are better able to see how their behavior can impact and reduce water use. Start a suggestion and incentive system to recognize water saving champions and encourage water savings in your facility. Conduct regular training workshops for implementing water efficiency best management practices. Include maintenance personnel in training sessions to keep them up to date on operational changes and maintenance procedures. 5.12 Behavior and Cultural Changes Review this list of special areas for additional ways to foster water efficient behavior change. 12
5.13 Develop Final WEMs and Long Range Plan for Water Efficiency The Water Efficiency Plan generally includes an executive summary that provides a concise overview of the major results of the assessment, including the Prioritized List of Water Efficiency Measures. The report should include baseline water use and methods used to determine this value. The report should also include water and wastewater rates, marginal costs of water and wastewater, and other associated costs, such as energy. The report should contain a water distribution curve that identifies water use over time, and shows historic and seasonal fluctuations. A Water Balance is an important element in the report that shows in graphical form, all major water uses by end-use and compares these uses to incoming supplies. The water balance also reveals estimated losses of the system. The report should include detailed information on Water Efficiency Measures that cover O&M improvements; retrofit and replacement options for each major piece of equipment; as well as recommendations for sub-metering. A prioritized list of Water Efficiency Measures provides total water, energy, and cost savings and life-cycle cost effectiveness indicators, such as savings to investment ratio or adjusted internal rate of return. The report should also detail alternate water sources. Annual water volume generated by these sources, as well as potential applications, should be documented. Opportunities to include water efficiency improvements as part of other activities such as retrofits, new construction, ESPCs, and UESCs should also be explained. Finally, the report should include plans for meeting annual water reduction goals. 5.14 Example Water Conservation Measures This chart shows a good way to collect and present accurate water use data and cost savings for a variety of water conservation measures in order to facilitate the selection of the best projects for your site. It shows critical information at a glance, in a clear format for comparison. For example, water conservation measure #1 domestic plumbing retrofits projected a savings of $302,603 per year, a simple payback period of three years, and a reduction of over 25 million gallons of water per year. In contrast, however, water conservation measure #5 the single pass cooling replacements was not cost effective. This type of chart is very useful as a summary of WCM performance and economics. 5.15 Module 5 Summary In this module you have learned about identifying water conservation measures and advanced technologies; resources to assist you in calculating life-cycle analysis and related economic indicators such as Savings to Investment Ratio and Net Present Value; cultural and behavioral areas to increase facilitywide water efficiency; and key components of a Water Efficiency Plan. Click on the next module to learn about best practices for contracting for water management services. End of Module 5 Module 6 6.1 Contracting for Water Management Services Managing Water Assessments in Federal Facilities, Module 6: Contracting for Water Management Services. When a Federal facility does not have the time or the staff with the expertise to develop a water assessment, contracting with a water management firm to conduct the assessment may be a good option. 13
In Module 6, we will discuss contracting for water assessment services and other resources available for planning a water assessment at your site. 6.2 Navigation Instructions 6.3 The Importance of Water Management Services DOE has developed a document titled a Template for a Comprehensive Water Assessment Statement of Work. The purpose of the document is to help agency staff understand the major elements of a comprehensive Statement of Work for a facility-level water assessment when contracting this service to a water management firm. The document includes a template to develop a customized Statement of Work that includes information on how to designate contractor qualifications, important phases to include in the scope, tips on scheduling, and requirements for the final deliverable. 6.4 Statement of Work: Model Language, Tools, and Templates The Department of Energy has developed a model Statement of Work for contracting for a water assessment. This document includes information such as contractor qualifications, phases of the work to be completed, deliverables, and schedule. It also outlines the format for the Final Report to be delivered by the contractor. Note that each element included in the template may not reflect your site s water-using equipment or be applicable to your overall objective. You can customize the Statement of Work to meet your site goals and the specific requirements of your facility. 6.5 Contractor Qualifications When evaluating contractors to perform water management services, assess their knowledge and experience in the following areas: the specific water efficiency expertise you need, such as landscape irrigation or industrial processes; water efficiency programs targeting behavioral change through education, training, and awareness; past experience with Federal water-related projects and policies; and knowledge of local regulations and codes governing water use. Decide the minimum level of experience you expect the service provider to have. For example, five years of in-field experience and demonstrated knowledge of Federal facility-level water assessments may provide a baseline. 6.6 Project Scope It is important to clearly define your scope of work when contracting for an assessment. The scope should specifically define the objectives of the assessment to establish the basis for the contractor to fulfill the work required. The Project Scope should also include: relevant Federal policies and mandates that provide the foundation for the assessment; site-specific water assessment goals; water balance requirements; and comprehensive list of site-specific applications that should be included. 6.7 Assessment Phases The Statement of Work should describe in detail the separate and distinct phases of the assessment, including background development and preparation; walkthrough survey requirements; the water balance development; and the water efficiency investigation and economic analysis. 6.8 Deliverables and Schedules The Statement of Work should also clearly define the contractor s milestones, deliverables, and schedule. It is good practice to establish intermediate 14
deliverables that provide a clear indication of progress the contractor is making on each phase of the work. Also include due dates for each phase. Detail the requirements of the final deliverable. Requirements should include the key elements of the assessment including: the water balance results; detailed descriptions of water conservation measures; and a prioritized list of projects with corresponding economic analysis results. 6.9 The Federal Water Working Group The Federal Water Working Group was formed by the Interagency Energy Management Task Force or IATF to help agencies meet Federal water reduction requirements. The Group shares best practices, guidance, and new technologies. Membership in the Working Group, chaired and supported by FEMP, is open to all Federal agencies currently involved with the IATF. 6.10 FEMP Water Efficiency Web Page FEMP also has a comprehensive web page on Water Efficiency that provides detailed information on many of the topics covered in this course including Federal policy, case studies, training opportunities, best management practices, and technical resources. Don t hesitate to contact FEMP for any of your water assessment needs. 6.11 Course Summary We hope this FEMP training course has been helpful as you plan a water assessment at your facility. The Federal government has always been a leader in cost-effective measures that promote energy and environmental stewardship. Waters Assessments can pay huge dividends in operational savings and efficiency gains, and can preserve our planet s life sustaining resource water. Thanks for your commitment, and good luck in your efforts! End of Module 6 End of Course 15