University of Virginia
OP-26: Water Use

UVa has several cisterns that collect water for use at both times of draught and for landscaping establishment and gardening purposes. These are described in detail in OP-27. Since those cisterns are not metered, the rainwater collected and subsequently reused is not included in the totals above. Starting in 2013, the University installed its first condensate recovery system. This system captures air handler condensate (the liquid product of dehumidification) and sends it to our chiller plants for use in the cooling towers. In 2014, two additional systems were installed. Since those systems were added mid year, they only recovered 922,300 gallons in 2014. in 2015, the recovery will be over 1 million gallons a year.

All UVa buildings are metered to record utility usage. There are thousands of utility meters on Grounds, most of which are owned by the University.

EPA Water Sense fixtures are required for all new projects and in-kind replacements. LEED certification of new construction, major renovations and large interior fit outs is required. These projects are often use ultra-low consumption to maximize their LEED rating.

No potable water is permitted for cooling of laboratory or research equipment. Process chilled water loops are installed in spaces where specialized equipment requires cooling. In experiments, researchers are not permitted to use water to pull a vacuum.

Irrigation is not standard practice at UVA and nearly all landscapes are designed using xeriscaping techniques with specification of drought tolerant plants.

Although use of irrigation is limited, all potable-water irrigation systems are equipped with rain sensors that prevent irrigation in periods of wet weather. Rain sensors are installed on the Lawn, at the Special Collections Library, Darden School of Business, School of Law, South Lawn Complex and the Fontaine Research Park.

Water Use Reduction - Converted all air handling systems using “once-through”, i.e. domestic water, cooling to chilled water use - Converted most domestic water process cooling applications to use chilled water - Installed low flow shower heads and toilets in most housing facilities. - Installed water and energy conserving laundry equipment at some housing facilities - Captured cooling coil condensate at some air handling units to use for landscaping purposes Water Recovery - Installed underground water collection systems (cisterns). - Capturing condensate from air handling units (air conditioning). Water captured from condensate is used to water grounds. UVA is currently working to expand this effort. - Added a collection sump to collect water from condensation drains. In an effort to save approximately 1 million gallons of water annually, UVA has installed a collection sump in the Chemistry building that collects condensate from the air handlers which is then used as make up water in the central chilled water plant cooling towers. Elimination of Water as a Cooling Source - Conducted a comprehensive survey of our facilities. - Identified air handling units (air conditioning) and water coolers that use domestic water as a source of cooling. UVa replaced those and prohibited their future use. - Identified research and clinical equipment that used domestic water for cooling. UVa installed process chilled water service to those units. This is water that is 100% re-circulated. Effective Measuring - Added water meters to buildings on grounds. This helps us to target our efforts and identify specific problems to make sure water is used efficiently. - Conducted an ultrasonic survey of the underground water distribution system. By surveying the water distribution system, E&U was able to identify and repair all leaks and update piping to ensure more efficient distribution of water. - Revised UVa Building Design Guidelines to include low-flow fixtures and plumbing systems. - Implemented LEED water conservation standards in all new buildings.