Home / Program Offices / Public and Indian Housing / PIH / Public Housing / Public Housing Environmental and Conservation Clearinghouse Redirect / PHECC: ECM: Convert Water Supply Pumps
ECM: Miscellaneous ECMs

M3. Convert Water Supply Pumps

Description

In high-rise buildings that do not have water tanks on the roof, pumps are used to maintain adequate water pressure in the domestic water system. These pumps must operate continuously to provide adequate water pressure, even when there is no water demand. Converting water supply pumps to a system called a "hydro-pneumatic" system will keep adequate pressure levels without continuous pump operation, resulting in electricity savings.

Photo: Converting to hydro-pneymatic water-supply pumps will reduce electricity consumption.During those periods when domestic water is not required, pressure is maintained by a hydro-pneumatic tank that contains air and water separated by a flexible membrane. When demand occurs for water, the imbalance of pressure causes the water stored in the tank to be provided to the building. When the tank is emptied, the pumps are activated and the water is supplied directly to the building. When demand ceases, water is pumped into the tank until adequate pressure can be maintained by the system and the pumps shut down.

Applicability

  • High-rise multifamily buildings without roof-mounted water tanks

Considerations

  • System pumps and tanks must be properly sized to provide adequate amounts of water.
  • The entire system must be located in a readily accessible space for maintenance purposes.
  • Tanks must be located in an area that can support its weight.

Performance/Economics

  • The savings assumed for this ECM are 33 percent of the total pumping energy used for water supply.

Resources/Links

Energy Conservation for Housing – A Workbook, HUD, September 1998. Pages 7-153 through 7-155 address converting water supply pumps.

CAUTION STATEMENT

TURN OFF UTILITIES: Turn off electricity, gas, propane, and other utilities before starting repairs, cleaning, or installations to avoid accident or injury.

BE AWARE OF LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARDS: Many residences built before 1978 have paint that contains lead, which can pose a serious health hazard if paint, chips, and dust are not handled properly. See the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lead brief before disturbing painted surfaces in homes of this vintage. Follow the HUD "Lead-Safe Housing Rule" for requirements for notification, evaluation and reduction of lead-based paint hazards.

BE AWARE OF ASBESTOS HAZARDS: Homes older than 1977 may have building products that contain asbestos such as insulation, high-temperature gaskets, roofing and siding shingles, and vinyl sheet flooring. See the EPA asbestos brief before disturbing such materials.

BE AWARE OF MOLD AND MOISTURE HAZARDS: Molds can gradually destroy materials they grow on; can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people; can cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold; and can cause other serious health problems. To learn more about preventing and cleaning up mold in homes, see these mold guides and the EPA brief on What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas.