Sustainable water use in construction

Water is needed in direct construction activities and also for the production of construction materials as embodied water. Water use during the life time of an infrastructure also needs to be considered in the planning and design phase of the infrastructure to save and conserve water in the long run. A typical building is associated with water use in direct and indirect forms. Direct forms include water consumed by workers, water used in washing aggregates, preparing raw concrete, curing concrete, dust suppression and washing of hard surfaces and equipment. Indirect use is related to embodied water, which has been used in production of construction materials. Use of water-efficient devices can save significant volumes of water during the operation phase of a building. It is expected that a greater environmental awareness, favorable government policy and continuing education will enhance the water use efficiency in the construction industry.