Alternative Water Resources

1
Alternative Water Resources

• High-Performance Schools Workshop
• San Antonio, Texas
• October 25, 2007
• Stephen Colley, AIA, LEED AP

2
Water Sources

• Municipal Utilities (potable and non-potable)
• Rainwater Harvesting (potable and non-potable)
• Air Conditioning Condensate (non-potable)
• Greywater (non-potable)

3
Municipal Utility Source

• Minimize Water Demand
• Preferable for drinking, showering, cafeteria
• Secondary only for irrigation use

4
Rainwater Harvesting

• Minimize water demand (wise plant choices)
• Ideal for irrigation (rare for institutional
  potable use)
• Match demand with
• Available catchment area (roof surface
  preferable)
• Storage capability (account for extended drought)
• Historical climate data

5
Air Conditioning Condensation

• Seasonal, but it matches the growing season
• Significant source of water

6
Graywater

• Second-use water from laundry, shower sources

7
Vegetated Roofs

• Research currently at Lady Bird Johnson
  Wildflower Center
• Stormwater benefit
• Minimizes heat gain to building urban heat
  island effect
• Not primary designed for alternative water source

8
Examples

• Boerne High School
• East San Antonio Middle School