The Mesquite Online News - Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Cisterns at record high

Galvanized water cisterns collect rainwater and HVAC condensate. Water is drawn out of the cistern by an electrical pump. The water is distributed around the Main Campus Building for irrigation.

Heavy rain in February has increased the University’s irrigation water supply.The float gauges on two cisterns located at Main Campus Building indicate levels are above the 9 foot mark, equivalent to almost 41,000 gallons of rainwater per tank.

The rainwater, along with condensate from Main Campus Building’s heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, is collected in the two 50,000 gallon galvanized cisterns located on the east side of Main Campus.

“The water collected is for irrigation purposes,” said Marshall Lasswell, director of facilities and physical plant.

The  latest U.S. Drought Monitor map indicates that Bexar County continues to be in a moderate drought. But water in the cisterns, campus officials say, will help plants and trees thrive during the dry period.

ValleyCrest, a landscaping company, is contracted to tend to landscaping and irrigation needs once a week, Lasswell said.

Water from the cisterns is drawn from an electrical pump and distributed to the timer-controlled sprinkler system around the perimeter the building. The water supply is also used for the circulation of the outdoor fountains.

The cisterns are part of an internationally recognized building standard called LEED, Lasswell explained.

The cisterns have been in use since August 2011. Lasswell said the same irrigation practices will be included in the design phases of the two building plans which were recently approved for the University.

“It is our intent to incorporate the cisterns into the design of future buildings,” Lasswell said.

The design phase for the two buildings is expected to begin later this year.

About the Author

Joseph Camacho
Joseph Camacho is the Multimedia Editor for The Mesquite. Previously, he served as the Mesquite’s Managing Editor and as a member of A&M-San Antonio’s Student Media Board. He has worked as a camera operator and student intern with NowcastSA.com and freelances as an audio/video engineer for local musicians and documentary filmmakers. He is a 2000 Southside High School graduate, attended Palo Alto College and served as a U.S. Marine. He is the father of two children, ages 3 and 7.

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