MIL-HDBK-1165
Section 4:
WATER CONSERVATION OPTIONS: SUPPLY
4.1
Introduction. Installing low flow plumbing fixtures
and limiting shower times are classic water conservation measures
that easily come to mind when discussing water conservation, but
you can begin conserving water long before it ever reaches the
consumers.
4.2
Water Wells and Treatment Plants. Water wells and
water treatment plants are at the head end of most water systems.
If these are operated inefficiently or not well maintained, then
water is probably being wasted. Reducing excessive backwashing,
well discharges, and leaks will reduce the total demand on your
water source, and has the same effect as reducing water usage
anywhere within your system. MIL-HDBK-1164, "Maintenance and
Operation of Water Supply Systems," contains detailed discussions
on proper procedures for water treatment plants and wells.
4.3
Leak Detection Programs. After the water is treated,
it travels through your water distribution system to the end
user. If your distribution system contains leaks, then once
again water is being wasted before it ever reaches its intended
purpose, and remember: every end use is connected to this
distribution system in some manner. Therefore, an important part
of your water conservation program and efforts should revolve
around leak detection. AWWA's Manual M36, "Water Audits and Leak
Detection", contains a detailed write up on the factors to
consider and investigate in order to determine if a leak
detection program will be beneficial at your installation.
If you are located at an average military facility
(circa 1940's) then the odds are pretty high that, as you read
this manual for the first time, upwards of 10 percent of your
total water production (or purchases) is being lost to system
leaks. Leak detections performed by the Naval Facilities
Engineering Service Center at several Navy and Air Force
installations have found leakage of up to 20 percent of total
production.
4.4
Metering. Metering your distribution system will help
you determine where your major water users reside, and can help
in detecting leaks before ancillary damage, such as road washouts
or sinkhole formations, can occur. AWWA's Manual M6, "Water
Meters - Selection, Installation, Testing, and Maintenance",
contains detailed information on water meters. The Army has also
published ETL 1110-3-465, "Design and Construction of Water
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