Project Clearinghouse

Porter A and B Storm Water to Toilet

Sustainability Problem and Proposed Solution: 

California is still in a drought regardless of the recent rains. In order to adapt to climate change conditions, when we do have rain, it is critical that we learn to capture this resource on site and use it for beneficial purposes rather than letting clean rainwater discharge into the storm drain system where it is 'lost'. If we can capture storm water from the surrounding Porter and re-use it for toilet flushing, we can reduce the Campuses demand for potable water.

Jump to: Contact | Project Description | Funding Sources | Metrics for Success | Results
Project Categories: 
Buildings & Facilities
Water
Project Status: 
In Progress
Affiliated Department, Unit or College: 
UCSC Storm Water Management Program, IDEASS
Project Location: 
On campus

Porter College


Stakeholder Contacts: 
Contact NameEmail AddressContact NumberDepartment
Courtney Trask
trask@ucsc.edu
831-459-4520
EH&S
Funding Sources: 
Carbon Fund

Project Description: 

This project proposes to install a flow metering devise in the storm water outlet pipe that collects storm water from not only the roofs of A and B dorm but from the majority of the Porter A and B site. We will correlate the metering data, Campus rainfall data, and demand for toilet flushing water to help us calculate the size of tanks we will need to store water. Once we have all the data we will then develop preliminary design drawings and a construction estimate. The project will also collect storm water samples to be analyzed at a lab for total suspended solids, pH, and oil and grease to confirm all levels are within benchmark values. We expect to install the metering devise sometime during the months of April-May depending on the weather, Conduct storm water sampling April-May, Preliminary designs May-December 2016, Project completion December 2016.

Metrics for Success: 

Success will be achieved if we can get the flow monitoring equipment installed in time to capture a few significant rain events which will allow us to calculate to possible storm water available for capture.

Result Categories: 
Infrastructure/Built Environment
Technology
Education/Outreach
Data Collection & Analysis
Results: 

This project will produce results for quantity and quality of the stormwater in the area of the Porter Dormitories. We will have monitoring results as well as produce preliminary plans and a construction estimate.