Decision Analysis Tool for Appropriate Water Source in Buildings

Abstract

To attain sustainability of water resources involves taking economic, environmental, and socially feasible measures without detrimental consequences for the time to come. Providing adequate water supply and sanitation is a challenging task throughout the world. We are facing the need to ensure water quality by using technical systems, and thus a one of the necessary requirements of life for today’s civilization is becoming water saving, treatment, and its management. Lots of aspects may contribute to the solution on how to collect, produce, and finally use alternative water sources. Massive use of reused water for non-potable purposes in buildings promotes the conservation of natural water resources. While respecting the basic parameters of alternative water sources, it is required for the end user or building manager to ensure the prescribed quality of water depending on the purpose.

This chapter’s aim is to present decision analysis tool on alternative water use at the building level. Water management strategies and presented 11 portfolios should provide general guidance on the issues and information to support decisions on alternative water use and make it more attractive to public. The evaluation of the two main criteria, as economic and environmental, could be used to change the water habits or help investor to make the right decision for the best water management portfolio. Presented costs and benefits of the portfolios are scored and compared to screening criteria calculated by analytical hierarchy process. The decision analysis tool could fill the information gap on sustainable water strategies in Slovakia by better understanding the building water cycle and help to change the thinking of the society to be in balance with the nature.