Water Wise
Water Wise is a demonstration project to show the relationship between air and water quality. The project includes several elements:
- Sustainable lawn irrigation practices will demonstrate how to make simple changes to lawn irrigation practices to reduce wasteful water use. Participants will learn about the energy consumed by using treated, potable water for lawn irrigation. Most residents associate hot-water use with energy consumption, but neglect to consider the energy consumed by using public drinking water. The EPA estimates that 56 billion kilowatt-hours per year are consumed by public water supply and treatment facilities in America. Generating this amount of energy creates nearly 60 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.
- Sustainable turf and plantings will offer landscape options that require less water, maintenance and fewer chemicals to stay healthy and beautiful. Attention will be given to native and adapted plants, and species selection for microclimates. This project will reinforce the message that treating and supplying water to the public is an energy-intense process and offer planting strategies that reduce water demand, resulting in reductions of air pollution associated with generating energy to provide clean, drinkable water.
- Sustainable bioretention will provide strategies for new and existing residential sites. Participants will learn about the energy intensity of wastewater treatment and the added burden of stormwater where a combined sewer or stormwater treatment system exists. Features include downspout and outdoor drain disconnection from the sewer system, permeable paving, techniques for channeling water flow on impervious surfaces, and filtration practices such as rain gardens.
- Water Wise for home interiors will demonstrate the water conservation strategies and practices adopted in the renovation of the Project Living Proof model home. Information will be available about the relationship between energy-efficient home design and operation, energy costs and reduced water consumption.
Contact: Dustin Jensen, Metropolitan Energy Center, 816/531-7283
