Smart irrigation system at U-M cuts costs and runoff

A new computer-controlled irrigation system plying the grounds of the University of Michigan ensures that water will not go to waste.

Since its installation in 2006, the $350,000 system has saved the university about $564,000 in watering charges. Annual savings equate to 22 million gallons of water, or $141,000 at current water rates, says Terry Alexander, director of the Office of Campus Sustainability at U-M.

The Maxicom system now covers the academic and research portions of campus, with expansion to the medical campus and housing areas coming soon. The athletic areas are also targeted, Alexander says.

U-M's plant, building and grounds department monitors the system, which is tied to a weather station on North Campus that keeps tabs on wind, rain, and temperature conditions and adjusts watering amounts accordingly. A network of irrigation sensors in the field send data to a central computer via phone line or wireless application. The smart system shuts off in the rain and can pinpoint the location of any leaks in the lines.

"One of our missions is to help protect the natural environment of the area, protect the Huron River watershed, protect the resources that we have. And one of those resources is the groundwater and the river water that's used by the city for drinking purposes," Alexander says. "If we don't over-water we don't have a lot of runoff going to the river that carries the sediment off the streets and sidewalks that can impact on the river."

And while it may seem counter-intuitive, even artificial athletic turf requires watering before games and practices so that balls roll properly, Alexander explains.

"The other positive benefit to this is is if we have a well-watered, well-maintained turf it cuts down on the amount of disease that we have to control, which means there's less chemicals that have to be applied...that could potentially run off to the river if they're over-applied."

Indoor water conservation is also a priority for the university's Planet Blue operations teams, charged with implementing energy efficiency and resource conservation projects at U-M. For instance, Alexander says, U-M has installed chilled water systems in all laboratories to provide cool water for experiments. A new closed loop system recirculates chilled water instead of merely running it through equipment and then down the drains. An installation in the C.C. Little Building saves 1.1 million gallons a year.

Source: Terry Alexander, director of the U-M Office of Campus Sustainability
Writer: Tanya Muzumdar