1.1This practice provides a set of instructions for estimating the environmental load of residential water, as it is discharged from a residence. The environmental load is calculated based on the number and type of fixtures in the home, the common household chemicals used, and the number of people in the home. While the format is broadly applied internationally, the parameters stated herein reflect North American averages and would need to be modified if used elsewhere.
1.1.1Averages Method—The Averages Method provides an estimate of the annual environmental load for the average U.S. single-family home based on 2000 U.S. Census and 2007 U.S. Census Data and U.S. EPA/625/R-00/008 characterization of residential wastewater flows.
Note 1:Census 2000, taken April 1, 2000, counted 281 421 906 people in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The questionnaire included seven questions for each household: name, sex, age, relationship, Hispanic origin, race, and whether the housing unit was owned or rented. In addition to these seven questions, about 17 percent of the households got a much longer questionnaire including questions about ancestry, income, mortgage, and size of the housing unit.
1.1.2Unique Product Parameters Method—The Unique Product Parameters Method provides an estimate of the annual environmental load, where the home/product parameter values are the same as those used for the Averages Method except for estimated amounts of chemical contaminants listed in Table 1 or average total annual use of products as listed in Table 1, or both.
1.1.3Adjusted Averages Method—The Adjusted Averages Method provides an estimate of the annual environmental load, where home/product parameter values differ from those used for the Averages Method, except that chemical contaminants associated with products do not vary. (Table 1 remains the same for: Typical Water Contaminants, Estimated Amount of Contaminant in Product (%), and the Percent Waste.)
1.1.4Additional/Alternative Chemicals Method—The Additional/Alternative Chemicals Method provides an estimate of the annual environmental load, of chemicals used that are not listed in Table 1.
1.1.5The Unique Product Parameters Method, Adjusted Averages Method, and Additional Chemicals Method may be used in combination with each other.
1.2Instructions are provided for a single-family home. Estimates may be expanded to an aggregate number of single-family homes by assuming an average home size and multiplying by the number of homes. Estimates may be adapted to multi-unit residential buildings by factoring the home parameters for size, occupancy, and fixtures as necessary.
1.3For the purpose of this practice, environmental load refers to chemical contaminants that may be dissolved or suspended in water.
1.3.1Estimates of environmental load do not include organic matter common for urine, feces, and vomit.
1.3.2Estimates of environmental load do not include bulk food waste such as kitchen scraps.
1.3.3Estimates of environmental load do not include bulk cellulose waste such as toilet paper.
1.3.4Estimates of environmental load do not include other solid wastes, such as wrappers, not covered by the waste groups covered in 1.3.1 through 1.3.3.
1.3.5Actual environmental load may vary depending on types and amounts of chemicals used in a specific home and the number of people in the home.
1.4The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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