Water Efficiency - The University of Texas at El Paso
Water conservation efforts have become increasingly important over the years, especially in the southwest desert area. In 2004, UTEP developed a water conservation plan that included upgrading campus plumbing fixtures and completing a xeriscape plan throughout campus.
Plumbing Upgrades: Efforts have been made to upgrade the campus restrooms with waterless or low-flow fixtures. These devices effectively reduce water consumption while controlling the sewer smells. Selected areas around campus have been retrofitted while the effort continues to span the campus for the coming years. In addition, new construction and renovations will include these fixtures as a mandate in future designs.
Xeriscape Plan: UTEP’s goal is to convert approximately 150,000 square feet of existing lawns and traditionally landscaped garden areas to incorporate water conservation measures and xeriscape designs. Water conservation is promoted through the use of plants selected for their water efficiency and resilience to the desert climate. A properly designed and maintained xeriscape area can easily use less than one-half the water of a traditionally landscaped area and also requires less maintenance over time. During the initial phase of the project, UTEP partnered with El Paso Water Utilities (EPWU) through a rebate program and received monetary returns for the xeriscape program. Although the EPWU rebate program ended in early 2008, UTEP has continued with the xeriscape plan to convert established turf areas into environmentally sensitive and water conserving landscapes.
To date, UTEP has converted about 49,000 square feet of traditionally landscaped areas to various types of xeriscape design. These designs feature a selection of native plant materials and gravel/rock ground cover. The next phase will be executed in spring 2009. This phase will convert about 22,000 square feet of turf area in front of Hudspeth, Worrell, and Miners Hall; areas adjacent to Fox Fine Arts and Cotton Memorial; and the area behind Bell and Benedict to a xeriscape design. Also, all new construction projects incorporate xeriscape design with drought-tolerant plants as a standard practice. This policy can be seen in the landscaping around the Academic Services Building, Sun Bowl Parking Garage, new Child Development Center, and Foster • Stevens Basketball Practice Facility.