Water Reuse for Landscaping
Reuse of water for landscape irrigation is
frequently used as a technique for disposal of water, rather than
as an economical and environmentally sound way to supply water
based on actual demand. The amount of water disposed of versus
that which is reused within this project will be determined by
calculating a water balance for the site. This balance is based
on local rainfall, evapotranspiration, suggested horticultural
irrigation rates, and water use data metered from within the
treatment system.
Mirospray irrigation will be used to distribute
water not used for flushing toilets to three areas, based on need
and weather conditions:
- Option 1 will be used during most
operations and will employ 500 low profile microsprayers
to distribute water onto ornamental grasses covering a
large area in front of the building. The grasses have
been chosen based on their low maintenance and their
ability to collect water on their leaves and direct it to
their roots. Infiltration and base flow of water are
desirable due to the very thin topsoil of the site
(approximately 10 inches).
- Option 2 will be used once a week on
average. A mulched bed of shrubs and perennials along the
building front and other similar groupings around the
site will be irrigated using "drip-irrigation",
i.e. concentrating water at the base of each plant.
Plants have been chosen based primarily on their
aesthetic qualities. Water and nutrient demands were
secondary considerations.
- In the event of freezing weather, when the
microsprayers cannot function, water will pass directly
to an aesthetic pool. The overflow from the pool, along
with runoff from the rest of the site, will move through
a constructed stormwater system. This system, which will
consist of a marsh combined with a pond, is designed to
collect and store the first one inch of stormwater
runoff.
A putting green and a volleyball court for the
employees is being planned, and an automobile washing pit is
under consideration..
