UNC Not Potable Irrigation Final Report

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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I INTRODUCTION In partial fulfillment of the contract agreement for the construction of the non-potable irrigation system, this final report was prepared comparing potable water usage and water costs for the years 1996 through 2000, prior to and after the completion of the non- potable water system and Xeric Demonstration Gardens. In addition, 46 rain gauges were installed throughout the Xeric Demonstration Gardens in an attempt to measure the amount of water each planting bed was receiving. Two additional turf areas were also connected to the non-potable water supply including Nottingham Field (the new football stadium located on UNC's West Campus) and the Denver Bronco pre-season training field, also located on West Campus. Although neither of these two fields was to be a part of this report, we decided to include an analysis table to demonstrate potable water savings in terms of both gallons and cost. PROJECT GOALS The primary goal of the UNC Non-Potable Water Project was to create a means of conserving potable water, purchased by UNC for non-consumptive use, in particular water used for irrigating UNC west campus facilities, including the Xeriscape Demonstration Gardens. A secondary goal of the project was to develop experimental plots where studies and manipulations in respect to watering demands on plant life could be performed over a long period of time. PROJECT LOCATION The University of Northern Colorado is located approximately 60 miles north of Denver, Colorado and 55 miles south of Cheyenne, Wyoming, approximately 10 miles east ofI- 25. Xeric Demonstration Gardens and the non-potable pond are located at the northwest corner ofUNC's West Campus, at 1 ih Avenue and Reservoir Road. METHODS Prior to the construction of the non-potable water supply system, water usage for UNC's West Campus facilities including the Denver Bronco's practice field, Nottingham Field, and Xeric Demonstration Gardens were determined based on current and projected watering demands for each location and maximum flow potential of the non-potable system. Water billing records for UNC's West Campus facilities, including Xeric Demonstration Gardens were acquired from the City of Greeley for the periods beginning May of 1996 and ending November of 2000. Projected watering rates for Xeric Demonstration Gardens were based on calculations from 1997 during the initial design phases of the Gardens and the non-potable system. These rates were based on three criteria: 1) actual