LEED Green Associate Practice Test

Which type of water might be considered as blackwater in some local codes?

1. Water used for irrigation

2. Water from kitchen sinks

3. Water from rain collection systems

4. Water from showers and bathtubs

The correct answer is: Water from kitchen sinks

Water from kitchen sinks is often classified as blackwater in various local codes because it typically contains high levels of organic matter and pathogens due to food waste, grease, and other contaminants. Blackwater is defined as wastewater that has come into contact with human waste, but in many jurisdictions, water from kitchen sinks is treated in a similar fashion due to its potentially hazardous nature. The options regarding irrigation water or water from rain collection systems are generally considered to be "clean" water, as they do not typically contain contaminants associated with human waste or food. Likewise, water from showers and bathtubs, while it may have soap and skin cells, is usually categorized as greywater, which is distinct from blackwater. Therefore, the selection of kitchen sink water aligns with how blackwater is defined in various plumbing and building codes.