Water Conservation
Weather station data helps control irrigation
Accomplishments
Water conservation is an ongoing priority at the college, especially because we depend upon our own wells and water treatment facility. Although consumption varies by year, from 1999 to 2006 water consumption has decreased by over 25%, resulting in approximately 25 million gallons of water per year which does not have to be pumped from the aquifer and treated. Further reduction in consumption has also been achieved in 2007.
| Water Consumption Annual Statistical Report | |||
| Annual Usage | Average Daily Mgd | Max Amount Used | |
| 2007 | 94.688 | 0.259 | 0.588 |
| 2006 | 96.287 | 0.2638 | 0.465 |
| 2005 | 109.367 | 0.2996 | 0.876 |
| 2004 | 103.996 | 0.2849 | 0.558 |
| 2003 | 115.66 | 0.3169 | 0.655 |
| 2002 | 131.05 | 0.3590 | 0.719 |
| 2001 | 117.893 | 0.3230 | 0.666 |
| 2000 | 118.917 | 0.3258 | 0.703 |
| 1999 | 124.769 | 0.3418 | 0.75 |
Low Flow Fixtures
Low flow fixtures for sinks, bathrooms and toilets have
been installed as part of all renovations and are replacing higher flow
fixtures in buildings not scheduled for renovation.
Dining Facilities
New low flow devices have been installed in all
kitchens, reducing water consumption in food preparation and dishwashing
operations.
Longfellow Pond
Several years ago a recirculation pump was installed at
Longfellow Pond. Prior to this, a ¾-inch pipe was left open for
approximately seven months per year with the overflow going to Lake
Waban. The installation of the recirculation system saves hundreds of
thousands gallons of water on an annual basis.
Irrigation
While irrigated acreage has increased significantly over
the past ten years, increase in potable water consumption has not
reflected the increased demand. Lake Waban serves as the water source
for the majority of the irrigation systems which water large areas,
including all of the athletic fields, Alumnae Valley, Wang Campus
Center, Davis Garage, and Tower Hill landscapes. Further, these
irrigation systems are regulated by a sophisticated set of controls
through a computer which interfaces with the college’s local weather
station. The weather station monitors weather data and controls the
irrigation system to provide proper watering. This system will limit or
shut down the irrigation as needed.
Leak Detection
The college proactively detects leaks within the potable
water distribution system. Leaks within the distribution system can
result in large losses of potable water. In the past few years the
college has instituted a formalized leak detection plan and the campus
is surveyed in detail every two years to identify potential problems.
New Chill Water Towers
The installation of a new chill water production
facility is not only more energy efficient but has saved thousands of
gallons of water per day, especially during periods of high demand.
Specific Landscape Approach
Many areas of the college’s landscape, for example
Alumnae Valley, are now more naturalistic. Proper choice of plant
materials combined with a sustainable landscape management approach has
allowed for reduced irrigation demands.
Initiatives
-
Remove the potable water feed to Paramecium Pond
by utilizing lake water and recirculation pumps, saving nearly 12
million gallons of potable water per year.
Implementation: Investigation is complete. Pumps and lines were installed to achieve this goal as part of the Alumnae Valley restoration project. The hook up, which includes a filter to ensure that Eurasian Milfoil will not enter Paramecium Pond, needs to be completed.(2008) -
Continually replace older fixtures with low flow
fixtures.
Implementation: Implement student project which studied lower flow shower heads. Potential water savings is estimated at 6.9 million gallons. Replace 2.5 gpm showerheads with Earth Massage 1.25 gpm models in Stone Davis December 2007. If further testing is positive replace over 400 showerheads throughout campus summer of 2008.This will also save significant energy, perhaps as much as $65,000, since this water will not require heating.
Coordinate with the Facilities Master Plan on an ongoing basis, as feasible during routine repairs and replacements, especially in buildings not scheduled for renovations in the near future. -
Investigate/install dual flush toilets.
Implementation: Install dual flush toilets as part of the Chapel renovation. Install dual flush toilets in the Trades and Motor Pool building as noted above. (2007-2008) -
Continue to educate and increase awareness in
the college community on water conservation.
Implementation: Work with the Sustainability Committee and student Eco Reps. Ongoing. Five minute shower timer reminders will be distributed to and installed by Eco Reps first term 2008. -
Investigate/install waterless urinals.
Implementation: Install “test” urinals in the Trades Shops building and at Grounds and Motor Pool. Evaluate over a 6-8 month period and if successful incorporate into all future renovations and or repairs as noted above. (2008) -
Gather data on the college’s consumption of
potable water by installing more water meters in strategic
locations
Implementation: All irrigation systems utilizing potable water are currently metered. Based on population, water consumption at the college is high in comparison to other schools. Develop a water meter installation plan in 2008 and implement in 2009. Once data is available, implement water saving techniques in a phased program. -
Continue to refine Power Plant operations to
reduce water consumption.
Implementation: Further study is required. Water consumption for the plant is currently metered. Investigation of the plant should be independent but coordinated with the above effort. This is currently under investigation. -
Continue to actively pursue and repair steam
condensate leaks. As part of the Facilities Master Plan, replace older
and problematic distribution systems.
Implementation: Condensate loss is tracked as part of the Power Plant operations.(ongoing) -
Continue and follow up with leak detection
program as required by DEP. Replace problematic lines as
required.
Implementation: This is an active, ongoing practice.