Colorado St University Water Efficiency Plan

• Project Type: Water Conservation Plan
• Project Name: Water Efficiency Plans for State Agencies
• Title: Water Efficiency Plan
• Date: 2/1/1993
• County: Larimer
• Water Conservation - Doc Type: Complete Plan

"

PROGRESS REVIEW

SUPPLEMENT TO THE

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

WATER EFFICIENCY PLAN

February 1993

1. The University already has a number of processes and programs in place
which promote water conservation.

A. The University currently irrigates turf areas with non-potable
water. The cost of this water compared to treated potable water
is minimal. We are in the process of computerizing the control
of the irrigation system. central control will allow
adjustments to the watering schedule utilizing
evapotranspiration data. Central control will also improve
customer service since schedules can be adjusted to provide for
special events. The Construction Standards Manual requires all
new installations to be compatible with the central control
system. Facilities Operations currently limits the amount of
watering conducted between 11 am and 3 pm.

B. Facilities Operations limits the use of turf in median strips
and is developing a list of other turf restricted areas.
Facilities Operations does maintain a number of xeroscaped
areas.

C. The residence halls have already been retrofitted with flow
restrictors in the restroom faucets and showers. The
Auditorium-Gymnasium complex has timers on the showers in the
locker rooms.

D. The University currently uses pool covers on two of the indoor
pools during unoccupied hours.

E. Facilities Operations is in the process of improving its planned
maintenance programs which will include closed loop and
recirculated heating and cooling water systems. The proactive
maintenance program will improve equipment life, reduce energy
waste, and conserve water.

F. The University has conducted a massive energy conservation
program. Current policy limits summer indoor cooling
temperatures to 80. F. Both actions reduce the load on the
cooling systems. The reduced load reduces water evaporation
from the cooling towers. One item to note is the increased use
of direct evaporation systems for cooling does reduce energy but
equates to increased water usage.

G. The University has a district heating steam plant and
distribution system. Most of the condensate from the steam
distribution system is returned to the heating plant for reuse.
Some central steam heating systems drain the condensate into the
sanitary sewer system. By returning condensate the University
conserves millions of gallons annually.