Hi Myles, thanks for your question regarding a temporary irrigation system and LEED.

LEED Water Efficiency Credit 1: Water Efficient Landscaping

You are referring to Water Efficiency (WE) Credit 1: Water Efficient Landscaping in the LEED for New Construction 2009 rating system.

This credit has two options:

• Option 1: Reduce potable water usage for irrigation by 50%, and earn 2 points.

• Option 2: Meet the requirements for Option 1 AND use no potable water or irrigation, and earn 4 points. There are 2 paths for compliance.

Path 1 requires that irrigation only uses either captured rainwater, recycled wastewater, recycled graywater, or nonpotable water treated by a public agency.

Path 2 requires landscaping that does not require permanent permanent irrigation systems - though temporary irrigation may be used for a maximum of 18 months.

Temporary Irrigation and WE Credit 1

In your case, you are choosing to pursue WE Credit 1, Option 2, Path 2 by using temporary irrigation for less than 18 months. However, Option 2 specifically says "meet the requirements for Option 1 AND" pursue Path 1 or Path 2. Therefore, I would say that yes - you must show 50% reduction in potable water use for irrigation in order to earn points for Option 2.

I hope this helps, Myles! Good luck.

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