The Kohler Commercial Water Usage Calculator is an online tool that helps building owners, facility managers, and architects figure out how much water a commercial building will use. It helps plan water systems, save money, and support sustainability efforts.
What is the Kohler Commercial Water Usage Calculator?
It’s a tool that calculates how much water a commercial building will use each day, month, and year based on factors such as the number of people in the building, the types of fixtures (like faucets and toilets), and the building’s purpose.
Formula and Calculations
The basic formula used by the calculator is:
Total Daily Water Usage =
(Number of People × Average Daily Uses × Water Usage per Fixture) +
(Additional Fixture Usage × Water Usage per Fixture)Where:
- Average Daily Uses varies by fixture type and building use
- Water Usage per Fixture is measured in gallons per flush (GPF) or gallons per minute (GPM)
Usage Examples by Building Type
Office Building Example
| Parameter | Value |
| Number of People | 100 |
| Number of Toilets | 8 |
| Number of Urinals | 4 |
| Building Type | Office |
| Daily Usage | 1,200 Gallons |
Restaurant Example
| Parameter | Value |
| Number of People | 150 |
| Number of Toilets | 6 |
| Number of Urinals | 2 |
| Number of Kitchens | 1 |
| Building Type | Restaurant |
| Daily Usage | 2,500 Gallons |
Standard Water Usage Reference Table
| Fixture Type | Standard Flow Rate | High-Efficiency Flow Rate |
| Toilet | 1.6 GPF | 1.28 GPF |
| Urinal | 1.0 GPF | 0.5 GPF |
| Shower | 2.5 GPM | 1.8 GPM |
| Faucet | 2.2 GPM | 1.5 GPM |
| Kitchen Sink | 2.2 GPM | 1.8 GPM |
Benefits
- Cost Savings
- Accurate budgeting for water expenses
- Identification of potential savings through efficiency upgrades
- Environmental Impact
- Reduced water waste
- Lower carbon footprint
- Support for LEED certification
- Planning and Management
- Better infrastructure planning
- Efficient resource allocation
- Compliance with regulations
- Performance Monitoring
- Benchmark setting
- Usage tracking
- Anomaly detection
Usage Instructions
- Select building type
- Enter occupancy details
- Input fixture counts
- Specify operating hours
- Review calculated results
Real-World Examples
Success Story: Reducing Water Consumption at a Busy Hotel
- Initial water usage: 3.2 million gallons per month
- Implemented calculator recommendations: low-flow fixtures, leak detection, and employee education
- Reduced water consumption by 27% in the first year
Conclusion
The Kohler Commercial Water Usage Calculator is an essential tool for modern building management. It provides accurate water usage estimates, helps in conservation efforts, and supports sustainable building practices. By using this calculator, organizations can make informed decisions about water management and achieve significant cost savings while contributing to environmental sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How accurate is the Kohler Commercial Water Usage Calculator?
A: The calculator provides estimates with approximately 85-90% accuracy when all inputs are correct.
Q: Can I use the calculator for residential properties?
A: While possible, it’s designed for commercial use. Kohler offers separate residential calculators.
Q: How often should I update my calculations?
A: Quarterly updates are recommended, or whenever significant changes occur in occupancy or fixtures.
Q: Does the calculator consider seasonal variations?
A: Yes, you can adjust usage patterns for different seasons.
Q: Can I export the calculator results?
A: Yes, results can be exported to PDF or Excel formats.
Q: Does it help with LEED certification?
A: Yes, the calculator provides data useful for LEED water efficiency credits.
Q: How does it account for different fixture brands?
A: The calculator uses standard flow rates but allows custom input for specific fixtures.
Q: Is there a mobile version available?
A: Yes, the calculator is accessible via mobile devices.
Q: Can it calculate water costs?
A: Yes, you can input local water rates for cost estimation.
Q: Does it consider gray water systems?
A: Yes, the calculator can factor in gray water usage and recycling systems.
