Comparative Analysis of primary configurations of residential building systems with individual cold water metering

Abstract

Given the global scenario of seeking to reduce water consumption, the adoption of individualized metering systems in residential buildings emerges as a promising solution. Although there are comparative studies on collective and individual metering systems—with collective systems still predominating in Brazil—there is a gap in specific analyses of the technical aspects of individualized metering. This study aims to compare two configurations for positioning water meters in individualized systems: distributed by floor and concentrated on the ground floor. The analysis considered technical criteria such as hydraulic pressure, operation, costs, quantities of materials, and impacts on project execution, based on modeling performed using QIBuilder software. The results indicate that the arrangement of water meters by floor is more efficient, with reduced use of materials and smaller diameter pipes, as well as greater feasibility in buildings with many floors. It was also found that, in both configurations, the use of toilets with flush valves is not feasible.