Water Conservation
Another initiative is potable water conservation. Last year the university connected to the valley’s reclaimed water system, reducing potable water consumption by over approximately 60%.
The laundry facilities of dormitories now include only front-loading washing machines. Compared to top-loading models that they replaced, front-loaders use 35 to 50% less water. Over a whole year, each front-loading unit saves roughly 4,000 to 6,000 gallons of water. In addition, waterfree urinals have also been installed in restrooms around campus. Presently there are nine waterfree urinals installed on campus (made by Falcon Waterfree Technologies, LLC. Grand Rapids, MI). These units are estimated to conserve an average of 40,000 gallons of water per urinal per year based on 7,000 flushes per year. Another 13 flushless urinals will soon be installed (made by Uridan-USA, Division of GDK International, Inc. Kissimmee, FL). Twelve of these units will be located in the new Baseball Park, currently under construction. Why convert to waterfree urinals? Some of the environmental benefits [from Falcon Waterfree Technologies]: - As much as five (5) percent of fresh water consumed is currently used to carry away urine. By using this touch-free, completely hygienic system we are helping the environment to conserve an average of 40,000 gallons per urinal per year.
- Water does not need to be pumped to the urinal or away from it to the water treatment facility, thus conserving energy.
- The energy savings realized contribute to reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
- Reducing the load on treatment plants minimizes the need for costly water treatment capacity increases and reduces the incidence of overflow events.
- Reduces the urinal maintenance and repair costs in labor and materials.
- Conversion to this technology supports the University sustainability initiative.
For information on recycled water at SCU see The Facilities Department |
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