In response to the statewide drought emergency announced by Gov. Tom Ridge on July 20, Penn State has implemented a variety of water conservation measures mandated by The Department of Environmental Protection. The University actually began many voluntary cutbacks before the governor's emergency announcement.
The University recently completed its annual leak-detection survey, which uses sophisticated equipment to pinpoint water leaks. The detected leaks have been, or are being repaired. The University also has a computerized water monitoring and control system which can detect leaks between the wells, the chlorination facilities and the water storage towers.
Office of Physical Plant employees are always on the lookout for leaks as they go about their assigned duties. All members of the University community are asked to help by reporting leaks to the Service Desk at (814) 865-4731. The combined efforts of vigilance, computer monitoring, data collection, leak detection service and immediate response to reported leaks keep the water system as leak-free as possible.
The University also is installing 600 water-restricting shower heads in the Pollock Residence area, and conserving drinking water in food service areas. In addition, the University is preparing to use reclaimed water on Beaver Stadium and other athletic fields.
Summer water usage is normally reduced at University Park due to the lower student population at this time of year. The University is carefully controlling other uses of water throughout the drought so the needs of returning students can be met in the fall.
Some creative ways Penn State is dealing with water restrictions include diverting water used to cool the nuclear reactor across the street to the football practice field. In addition, treated waste water from a line that passes near Beaver Stadium is being diverted to help water that field.
Penn State is complying with water restrictions in the following categories which were outlined in Chapter 119, Prohibition of Nonessential Water Uses in a Commonwealth Drought Emergency Area:
On July 20, Penn State stopped watering University lawns, including the intramural fields, the women's softball fields, the Bigler natural turf area, West Campus fields and Pollock Fields.
Drought regulations allow the University to water at the minimum rate necessary to establish and maintain newly seeded and sodded grass areas. These areas include the HUB lawn, Rugby field, the baseball infield and the J.V. field.
The regulation allows watering of established landscaped areas by hand between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. using fresh water. Newly planted areas can be watered during the day. The University is watering landscaped areas with reclaimed water to a great extent and generally confining watering times of both new and established landscaping to after 5 p.m. and before 9 a.m.
Penn State golf courses are being watered according to the following drought regulations:
n Tees and greens watering between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m.
n The syringing of heat sensitive grasses, such as poa annua used on both the Blue and White courses, for 15 minute periods during the heat of the day.
All paved-surface washing has stopped, except for the minimal rate necessary for sanitation of food service locations, and for prewashing in preparation of recoating.
All ornamental fountains on the University Park campus have been shut down for the duration of the drought emergency. The golf course aeration system is used for algae control, and so will remain in service.
The University has stopped all washing of vehicles and other heavy equipment except as necessary for proper functioning and safe operation.
Penn State swimming facilities are being topped off only as allowed by drought regulations.