| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 59.65 |
| Liaison | Mark Klapatch-Mathias |
| Submission Date | Feb. 26, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
OP-26: Water Use
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.62 / 2.00 |
Michael
Stifter Director Facilities Mgmt. |
Level of water risk for the institution’s main campus:
Total water use (potable and non-potable combined)::
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Total water use | 32,753,000 Gallons | 42,129,500 Gallons |
Potable water use::
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Potable water use | 28,373,000 Gallons | 38,914,000 Gallons |
Figures needed to determine "Weighted Campus Users"::
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Number of residential students | 2,120 | 2,322 |
| Number of residential employees | 8.50 | 8.50 |
| Number of in-patient hospital beds | 0 | 0 |
| Full-time equivalent enrollment | 6,597.01 | 7,192.12 |
| Full-time equivalent of employees | 675 | 675 |
| Full-time equivalent of distance education students | 93.27 | 51.17 |
Gross floor area of building space::
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Gross floor area | 2,238,717 Square feet | 1,863,536 Square feet |
Area of vegetated grounds::
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Vegetated grounds | 166 Acres | 166 Acres |
Start and end dates of the performance year and baseline year (or three-year periods):
| Start Date | End Date | |
| Performance Year | Jan. 1, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2015 |
| Baseline Year | Jan. 1, 2005 | Dec. 31, 2005 |
A brief description of when and why the water use baseline was adopted:
The baseline was established in 2005 as part of State Executive Order 145 for energy reduction goals.
Water recycled/reused on campus, performance year:
Recycled/reused water withdrawn from off-campus sources, performance year:
A brief description of any water recovery and reuse systems employed by the institution:
The University Center has a 48,000 gallon underground storage tank that harvests rainwater for toilet flush use.
A brief description of any water metering and management systems employed by the institution:
Every building on campus has a water consumption meter and active water conservation projects are discussed and considered as part of two specific groups regularly, Sustainability Working Group (SWG) and the Energy Monthly meeting hosted by Facilities.
In 2016 the campus is exploring a Softener Salt metering device with hopes of saving approximately 20% compared to our current usage.
A brief description of any building retrofit practices employed by the institution, e.g. to install high efficiency plumbing fixtures and fittings:
Reduced water usage is always considered when doing major projects that include new or replacement plumbing systems. Recent projects include replacement of plumbing systems in Johnson Hall (high efficiency fixtures) and construction of Ames Residence Hall (LEED Gold Rating).
The University center has dual-flush valves on all toilets as well as the EcoCubes used on all urinals reducing to 3 flushes per day. https://www.uwrf.edu/UniversityCenter/Sustainability/Environmental.cfm
A brief description of any policies or programs employed by the institution to replace appliances, equipment and systems with water-efficient alternatives:
The campus regularly looks at opportunities for renovations or the replacement of more water efficient equipment. Examples run from the installation of front loading washing machines in all campus laundry facilities (res life and athletics) to lab equipment to fixtures in academic or residence hall environments. Extensive efforts have been conducted to regularly inspect/replace flush valves on bathroom toilets/urinals.
A brief description of any water-efficient landscape design practices employed by the institution (e.g. xeriscaping):
As irrigation is not used in most of the landscaping areas, UWRF uses native and prairie plants in landscaping that are drought-resistant. These plants include pampas, coneflowers, asters, and other various native and drought-resistant plants.
In the Fall of 2014, the field turf for Ramer Field was replaced with artificial field turf, eliminating one of our more heavily irrigated areas on the campus.
A brief description of any weather-informed irrigation technologies employed by the institution:
"Smart" irrigation that senses weather/rainfall to adjust irrigation accordingly is used on all of the newer irrigation systems, including the University Center. Additionally, drip irrigation is used on some buildings throughout campus to reduce unnecessary irrigation, overspray, and evaporation.
A brief description of other water conservation and efficiency strategies employed by the institution:
The institution has also experimented with waterless urinals with mixed results. We have used them almost exclusively in two locations in the past, one in the Facilities building and one in Karges. We found in both cases that we had an inordinate amount of urine salt build up in the lines, even though we felt we used the chemical treatment process appropriately.
We have also done a number of tune-ups of flush valves every other year or so in restrooms, Residence Halls in particular.
The website URL where information about the institution’s water conservation and efficiency initiatives is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Incorporate other water saving information in 2016: Falcon Center? General campus (water softener sensors?)? Other? (Mike Stifter)
Incorporate other water saving information in 2016: Falcon Center? General campus (water softener sensors?)? Other? (Mike Stifter)
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.