Discuss US Green Building Council LEED-Green-Associate Exam Topic 6 Question 42

Waste water from kitchen sinks is considered blackwater unless

Ait is for use in toilets

Blocal codes state otherwise

Cit is only used for drip irrigation

Da CIR is submitted and approved

Suggested Answer: B

Blackwater is wastewater that contains fecal matter and pathogens, such as from toilets.Greywater is wastewater that is less contaminated, such as from showers, sinks, and washing machines1. However, the classification of kitchen sink wastewater may vary depending on local codes and regulations.Some states and authorities consider kitchen sink wastewater as blackwater because it may contain food waste and germs123.Others consider it as greywater if it meets certain quality standards and is used for beneficial purposes, such as irrigation or toilet flushing45. A CIR (Credit Interpretation Request) is a process to seek clarification on a specific credit or prerequisite in a LEED rating system, but it does not change the definition of blackwater or greywater.

Greywater Reuse | WaterSense | US EPA4

Greywater - California Department of Water Resources5

What Is Greywater? What Is Blackwater?| HomeServe USA1

Grey Water / Reclaimed Water | University of Maryland Extension2

What is meant by the terms Gray water and black water3

Credit Interpretation Requests (CIRs) | U.S. Green Building Council

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38 comments · newest first

Jacinta 10 months ago

Drip irrigation? That sounds weird for kitchen waste!

Alexia 10 months ago

Wait, so it can be blackwater unless local codes say otherwise?

Teri 10 months ago

I thought all kitchen sink water was graywater?

Cristal 11 months ago

Blackwater typically includes waste from toilets.

Roxane 11 months ago

Totally agree, local codes can change everything!

Colton 11 months ago

I feel like I read that a CIR approval could change the classification, but I’m not entirely confident about that.

Arthur 11 months ago

I practiced a similar question where the distinction between blackwater and graywater was based on usage, but I can't recall if drip irrigation was a factor.

Desmond 11 months ago

I remember something about local codes affecting classifications of wastewater, so maybe option B is correct?

Misty 12 months ago

I think blackwater is usually defined by its source, but I’m not sure if kitchen sink waste can be considered graywater under certain conditions.

Cammy 12 months ago

Alright, let me read through the options and see if I can eliminate any of them.

Lorenza 1 year ago

I've got a good feeling about this one. I'm pretty confident I know the right answer.

Jacquelyne 1 year ago

Okay, let me see. I think the key is to focus on the conditions that would make kitchen sink wastewater not be considered blackwater.

Jeanice 1 year ago

Hmm, I'm a bit unsure about this one. I'll need to think it through carefully.

Nenita 1 year ago

This question seems straightforward, but I want to make sure I understand the key details before answering.

Noelia 1 year ago

In that case, I think the answer would be D) a CIR is submitted and approved.

Giuseppe 1 year ago

But what if the local codes don't specifically address it?

Sherly 1 year ago

I disagree, I believe the answer is B) local codes state otherwise.

Tammara 1 year ago

Wait, we're supposed to be dealing with 'blackwater' here? I thought this was a test on plumbing, not a horror movie!

Giuseppe 1 year ago

I think the answer is A) it is for use in toilets.

Deeann 1 year ago

A makes the most sense to me. If it's being used for toilets, it shouldn't be considered blackwater.

Izetta 1 year ago

↳ replying to Deeann

B) local codes state otherwise

Hayley 1 year ago

↳ replying to Deeann

I agree, using it for toilets seems like a good way to classify it differently.

Shad 1 year ago

↳ replying to Deeann

A) it is for use in toilets

Truman 1 year ago

↳ replying to Deeann

I think local codes might also play a role in determining if it's considered blackwater.

Truman 1 year ago

↳ replying to Deeann

I agree, using it for toilets would make it greywater.

Viki 1 year ago

I think the answer is D) a CIR is submitted and approved, as that would ensure proper treatment of the waste water.

Fletcher 1 year ago

D is obviously the right choice. You need to get that CIR approved before you can do anything with that wastewater!

Xuan 1 year ago

↳ replying to Fletcher

Using kitchen sink wastewater for drip irrigation is not always allowed, so it's best to check with authorities first.

Kanisha 1 year ago

↳ replying to Fletcher

It's important to follow local codes when it comes to handling blackwater.

Julieta 1 year ago

↳ replying to Fletcher

I agree, you definitely need that CIR approval before using kitchen sink wastewater.

Diane 1 year ago

But what if the local codes don't specifically address it?

Darrin 1 year ago

I think B is the correct answer. Local codes can override the general definition of blackwater.

Jeannetta 1 year ago

↳ replying to Darrin

It's always important to be aware of and follow local regulations when it comes to waste water management.

Bobbie 1 year ago

↳ replying to Darrin

Yes, local codes can play a big role in determining how waste water is treated and classified.

Stefania 1 year ago

↳ replying to Darrin

I think B makes sense, it's important to follow local regulations when it comes to waste water.

Tiera 1 year ago

↳ replying to Darrin

I agree, local codes can definitely impact how waste water is classified.

Lindsey 1 year ago

I disagree, I believe the answer is B) local codes state otherwise.

Diane 1 year ago

I think the answer is A) it is for use in toilets.

US Green Building Council LEED-Green-Associate Exam - Topic 6 Question 42 Discussion