Water use analysis in mixed-use buildings in Brasília, Brazil

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to characterize water use for mixed-use buildings in Brasília, Brazil, based on their typological and functional characteristics. The invoiced monthly building water consumption between 2013 and 2019 was analysed in 181 commercial establishments, 211 offices, and 259 studio flats. End-use water audit with specific end-use metering were also performed in 7 commercial establishments, 3 offices, and 6 studio flats. Toilet flushing had the highest rate of consumption in both offices (57%) and studio flats (30%), although kitchen sinks accounted for the largest portion of the total water consumption in the building (38%). The restaurant was the activity that consumed the most water in the building (34%), followed by the studio flats (29%). A broad heterogeneity in consumption was observed among the evaluated establishments, influenced by the occupied area, number of employees, customer flow, and the degree of water dependency in the end-activities. The generated indicators provide subsidies for the dimensioning of building systems and assist in reflections on water consumption in mixed-use buildings, contributing to improve the prediction of urban water demand in the Federal District.