National Trends in Water Efficiency: What Texas Needs to Know
Commercial & Industrial Water Conservation: Capturing and Using Rainwater for Large-Scale Applications
1. BRIAN GREGSON Rainwater Catchment Systems Accredited Professional Commercial & Industrial Water Conservation: Capturing and Using Rainwater for Large-Scale Applications Blue Spring Working Group September 9, 2010
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6. Rainwater Harvesting: A Sustainable Option www.rainwaterservices.com Source: www.stuckincustoms.com
17. Photo credit: Timothy Hursley http://eere.buildinggreen.com/site.cfm?ProjectID=286 Rinker Hall, University of Florida Gainesville, FL www.rainwaterservices.com CISTERN INFO Size: Water Source: Use: 8,000 gallons Rainwater Toilet flushing
18. LEED Elementary School Remodel, St. Petersburg, FL www.rainwaterservices.com Project Owner: Project Type: CISTERN INFO Size: Water Source: Use: Jordan Park Elementary Institutional 2x 2,500 gallons Rainwater Toilet Flushing RAINWATER SERVICES FIRST BELOW-GROUND
LID = Low Impact Development Site retention = reduced demand on stormwater processing A good strategy would be to, not only conserve water, but also to use an alternative water source (rainwater) for irrigation, and save our precious potable drinking water for drinking and other indoor uses. Not as cost-effective for small volumes, but for large = huge potential financial savings
IT’S ALWAYS ABOUT $$$$$ Rapidly and continuously growing region = resource demands e.g. nuke plant in citrus county = $$$ 20 years in advance! No longer able to simply dig a well Leads to search for more complex technologies (i.e. desal) WE WILL ALWAYS FIND A WAY TO PROVIDE CLEAN WATER, BUT AT WHAT COST???
As of March 12, reservoir storage was insufficient to maintain minimum production requirements at the surface water treatment. About 200 million gallons of water remains in the reservoir. We are managing the reservoir to maintain a viable habitat for the fish that remain in the reservoir. IN VOLUSIA: Coquina Coast = 1B+
How do we prolong development of new water supplies? As a part of effective conservation: RAINWATER HARVESTING
There are many uses for rainwater. Irrigation would be the application requiring the least amount of treatment before use. All contribute to offsetting municipal supplies.
Real world “dollars and cents” Over time, rates will increase. Admittedly, water is still relatively cheap compared to other utilities These rates can be offset by RHS. Water demands of large systems equal $$$ Potential savings on utility bills tangible for large systems
RESIDENTIAL: Assume 6000 gallon storage @ $3-4/gallon = approx. $20K IRRIGATION: Assume 7 days storage = 70K gallons COOLING TOWER: Assume 7-14 day storage (10 days = 250K gallons)
RESIDENTIAL: Assume 6000 gallon storage @ $3-4/gallon = approx. $20K IRRIGATION: Assume 7 days storage = 70K gallons COOLING TOWER: Assume 7-14 day storage (10 days = 250K gallons)
RESIDENTIAL: Assume 6000 gallon storage @ $3-4/gallon = approx. $20K IRRIGATION: Assume 7 days storage = 70K gallons COOLING TOWER: Assume 7-14 day storage (10 days = 250K gallons)
At first glance, doesn’t seem all that great: RESIDENTIAL: Assume 6000 gallon storage @ $3-4/gallon = approx. $20K IRRIGATION: Assume 7 days storage = 70K gallons COOLING TOWER: Assume 7-14 day storage (10 days = 250K gallons) Considering ROI alone, seems like a long-term payback. But…
But, ROR is a more appropriate financial metric Invest monthly savings at simple 2% annual interest
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