Water Conservation: UCSD Response to City Requirements

As of June 1, 2009, the city of San Diego has new restrictions on water use. Below is a summary of regulations that affect UC San Diego.

Note: The restrictions below do not apply when using reclaimed water. UC San Diego currently uses reclaimed water for more than 25% of campus irrigation, and is pursuing both grant funding and city partnership opportunities to expand that system for both irrigation and industrial uses.

City restrictions and UCSD responses:

• Irrigation time and day restrictions: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m., for 10 minutes maximum (10-minute maximum does not apply to drip irrigation systems or stream rotor sprinklers)
  
  UC San Diego uses controllers to efficiently irrigate campus landscape. In most areas, we water only 4-6 minutes per cycle, but the sheer number of controllers and limited water pressure prevent us from completing all cycles within the day and time limits.
  
  As a result, the campus is working with city water officials to develop a plan to irrigate half of the campus on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and half on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. We still observe the time limits, and are in compliance with the 10-minute maximum (in fact, in most cases we're far under it, providing the plants' minimum water needs while still conserving water). The end result is water conservation that far exceeds city expectations.
  
  Before the drought alert, UCSD had already put these water-saving strategies in place:
  • Planting low-water-use, native, and drought-tolerant plants in 75% of the irrigated campus landscape
  • Installing monitors that measure soil moisture in order to target watering
  • Using a computer-controlled irrigation system that tracks weather data to adjust watering based on temperature and humidity
  • Installing low-flow sprinklers (3,200 nozzles replaced so far, 10,000 to go)
• Stop or repair water leaks within 72 hours of discovery
  
  UC San Diego trains its landscape staff to identify signs of overwatering and water leaks in the irrigation system. The irrigation system also detects unusually high water use, which could signal a leak.
  
  If a leak is identified, UCSD immediately deploys a irrigation maintenance crew to change the watering pattern or make repairs.
  
  If you notice a water leak, report it to Facilities Management Customer Relations, (858) 534-2930. We prioritize leak reports and will respond immediately.
• Use recycled or non-potable water for construction purposes, where available.
  
  UC San Diego follows the strict water-conservation measures that are required in all new construction. New construction features only the most water-efficient fixtures, including ultra-low-flow toilets and urinals. We are also investigating opportunities to use "gray water" for irrigation.
• Stop using all ornamental fountains, except as needed for maintenance.
  
  UC San Diego has stopped constant operation of ornamental fountains, which are considered "force spray" fixtures. The fountains will operate for minimum time periods for maintenance purposes. Decorative water features with only flowing water (i.e., those that use a recirculating pump and do not shoot water into the air) are allowed and will continue to operate.
• Wash vehicles or equipment only between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. using a hand-held container or hand-held hose with positive shut-off nozzle. Commercial car wash activity must use a recirculation water system.
  
  Fleet Services' car wash is considered a commercial car wash that recirculates water, and therefore can be used at any time.  UC San Diego limits all other vehicle and equipment washing to the allowed hours, using a hand-held hose with a positive shut-off nozzle for quick rinsing. Outside of these hours, we have disabled car-wash hoses and provide wipes and rags as needed.