Water Conservation

Rain water Collection Sites

hese sites are located all around campus, including the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, the Greenhouse, Stritch Hall and the Academic Building. Six feet underground, a complex system has been installed that cleans and filters the rain water for campus use. In order to prevent stagnation and the unhealthy growth of bacteria, the water is filtered while it is stored in the system. This water is ideal to water outdoor plants around campus as well as the plants growing in the campus greenhouse, due to the lack of chemicals that are traditionally found in the municipal water. These systems are also integrated with a decorating water fountain feature.  At the powerhouse system site, there is a rainwater collection system that works a bit differently than the others. At this site there is a larger system in place that will take rain water and pump it directly into a storage tank for easy access to be used around campus. These collection sites serve to reduce water bills and cut the demand on municipal water systems.

Permeable Pavers

These can be found at the Science Center and are another measure to collect storm water. As rain falls, these pavers allow the water to be filtered into the ground naturally. As opposed to traditional paved parking lots that directs the water into a storm drain that eventually goes into a river before ever being cleaned of pollutants. These pavers remove pollutants collected from the parking lot before the water enters the ground.

Bioswales

Bioswales are located in nearly every parking lot on campus, and designated by a large sign. These bioswales are designed to collect rain water from parking lots. The rain water is directed into the bioswale, which is designed to be similar to a ditch. As the water goes into these areas the native plants help filter out the pollutants and allow the rain water to then be filtered into the local aquifer.

The Glen

Lewis University has made a strong commitment to managing storm water on campus. The Glen ensures that a majority of storm water remains on campus. The Glen can be seen as you enter the campus on University parkway. When there is an excess of storm water that does not first get collected from the native landscaping, bioswales, or rain water collection sites, this water is directed to The Glen. Where the water flows through a stone crafted filtration system which helps keep the water moving. If there is more water than what enters The Glen, a retention pond will hold the excess water.

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