Evaluation during operation of non-potable water systems in residential buildings

Abstract There is currently a noticeable increase in independent initiatives for the implementation of non-potable water systems in residential buildings. These initiatives count on little technical support, regulatory guidelines or legislation to guide designers, builders and managers on the appropriate practices of implementation, operation and maintenance of these systems, which can put at risk both the health of users and the success of this technology. Considering that it is essential to meet the needs of users, adapting solutions to use, evaluation during operation (EDO) is a suitable tool for the analysis of the system's current situation. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the performance of buildings' non-potable water systems during their operation in residential buildings, with regard to design, implementation, operation and maintenance. The EDO method was applied in six residential buildings. The results show that lack of technical training, specific technical requirements and laws to guide designers, builders, managers and users contributes to the current scenario, characterized by systems that operate with less than adequate performance to meet the needs of users and ensure their safety.

摘要 当前，住宅建筑中非饮用水系统（non-potable water systems）的独立部署项目呈现显著增长态势。此类项目几乎未获得足够的技术支持、监管指南或法律法规，来为设计人员、施工人员与运维管理人员提供该系统部署、运行及维护的合规实践指导，进而对使用者的健康以及该技术的推广应用成效构成风险。鉴于满足使用者需求是核心要务，针对使用需求优化的运行期间评估（Evaluation During Operation, EDO）是分析系统当前运行状况的适宜工具。据此，本研究旨在从设计、部署、运行及维护维度，评估住宅建筑内非饮用水系统的运行性能。本研究选取6栋住宅建筑，应用运行期间评估方法开展分析。研究结果显示，技术培训缺失、专项技术要求与指导性法律法规的缺位，导致了当前的现状：系统运行性能未达到合格水准，无法满足使用者需求并保障其使用安全。