UNT takes steps to reduce water usage

According to 2002 Water for Texas — the most recent water plan for the state created by the Texas Water Development Board —  "the era of plentiful and inexpensive water is rapidly ending."

Thomas La Point, professor of biological sciences and director of UNT's Institute of Applied Sciences, says the university has already taken some relatively simple steps to become one of the region's "leaders of water conservation."

One of those steps is the use of xeriscaping. This style of landscaping incorporates native plant species that require less watering and are drought resistant. Charlie Jackson, UNT director of facilities maintenance, says xeriscape methods have been used at several UNT facilities including the Environmental Education, Science and Technology Building, the new Chemistry Building, the Auditorium Building, the Business Administration Building, Terrill Hall, Marquis Hall, Traditions Hall, Victory Hall and the Athletic Center.

Another idea employed by the university to save water is the installation of rain sensors on some of the automatic sprinkler systems around campus. After the device catches a certain amount of rainfall, the sprinkler is switched off.

Irrigation technician Jerry Jasso recommended implementing these "smart sprinklers" as a TIP$ suggestion — a program that allows UNT employees to suggest ideas to the university that would improve efficiency or save money. The sensors have been installed on approximately 20 percent of UNT's sprinkler systems.

Another TIP$ suggestion, made by Mary Finley, University Union assistant director, led to the installation of waterless urinals on campus. These urinals are estimated to save as much as 40,000 gallons of water per year, per urinal. About a year ago, waterless urinals were installed in restrooms on the first floor of the Environmental Education, Science and Technology Building and are currently in a test phase.

Other examples of UNT's conservation efforts include:

• Installation of automatic faucets and toilets in new and renovated buildings
• Use of low-flow plumbing in new facilities
• Improved landscape irrigation techniques

"Water has been cheap up to this point," Jackson says. "But with growing concerns for the future water supply of the DFW area, UNT is now taking steps toward conservation."

BY BRANDON EVAN inhouse@unt.edu

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• Beat the summer heat
• New diet guidelines can help people make better choices about the foods they eat
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