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<br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />, <br />I <br /> <br />Bronco's practice field, and Nottingham Field. After the completion of the non-potable <br />system in the spring of 2000, UNC saved approximately $44,000.00 on potable water <br />costs. Projected saving for use of the non-potable system is expected to exceed $57,000 <br />during 2001 and $87,000 by the year 2010 (based on estimated 5% potable water cost <br />increase per year). The total amount of savings for all three facilities is expected to <br />exceed $712,00 by the year 2010. <br /> <br />The second phase of the study involving the 46 water gauges did not meet with the same <br />success as the non-potable system. During the study, a total of 63 samples out of 368 <br />samples taken had been either broken (30), missing (20), or moved (13). Other problems <br />associated with the study occurred from vegetative debris or other materials falling into <br />the water gauges. <br /> <br />Results from the water gauge study for Xeric Demonstration Gardens indicated watering <br />rates are being applied at significantly higher levels than the required amounts needed for <br />plant success. Ten planting beds of the 17 sampled exceeded the required watering <br />requirement rates, while only one did not receive enough water. The remaining five beds <br />received appropriate amounts of water in order to achieve plant success. Refer to Table 3. <br />For major vegetation types and general water requirements for Xeric Demonstration <br />Gardens. <br /> <br />DISCUSSION <br /> <br />The design of Xeric Demonstration Gardens is such that initial actual water usage is <br />much less than the anticipated projected water usage, conserving approximately 2.2 <br />million gallons of potable water per year. <br /> <br />It is anticipated that UNC will save approximately $713,000 in potable water costs over <br />the next 10-year period by utilizing non-potable water for its West Campus facilities. <br /> <br />The information ascertained from the water gauge study will provide guidance for the <br />overall management and watering rates for Xeric Demonstration Gardens. Even though <br />each planting bed received different amounts of water throughout the growing season the <br />amount of water often exceeded the required amount needed. It is with hope by the <br />growing season 2001, a better understanding of water requirements for the existing plants <br />can be more thoroughly understood, and that water rates can be adjusted to better meet <br />plant requirements. If so, water usage for Xeric Demonstration Gardens will be much <br />less than the projected 2.4 million gallons per year. <br /> <br />Several plots within Xeric Demonstration Gardens were designed and developed for <br />research purposes by UNC students, instructors and organizations such as garden clubs. <br />During the time of this study, there was no evidence to suggest that any of the plots were <br />being utilized for research purposes. However, based upon several conversation with Dr. <br />Curt Peterson, Chair of the Biological Science Department at UNC, his department plans <br />to initiate several studies throughout the Gardens including several water manipulation <br />studies in which they hope to determine the most efficient way to utilize water for <br />irrigation. Students should also be encouraged to initiate research studies regarding the <br /> <br />7 <br />