Yellowknife (July 02/04) - As part of a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) initiative, the new Government of Canada building on Franklin Avenue will use rainwater in place of piped city water for some of its plumbing needs.

"The toilets are flushed by a grey water system," said John Droog, PCL's area manager.

Rainwater will be collected on the roof of the building and stored in tanks in the basement. This requires an extra plumbing system in the building, but the water used will always be free. Of course the grey water will not be used for human consumption.

"Drinking water is from the city's water supply," he said.

The two plumbing systems in the building tie together to enter the city's sewer system. Workers on site are preparing the underground plumbing so the concrete floors can be poured. Water efficiency is one of six categories in the LEED Rating System.

Designers of the federal building are aiming for a Silver rating under the LEED system. The highest rating attainable is Platinum, followed by Gold, Silver and Certified.