25 Sep 2006
Seeing Green: Is UTHSCSA Exempt From Water Restrictions?
San Antonio has three predominant types of grass -
St. Augustine.
Bermuda.
And, crispy.
Stage I water restrictions have not been very kind to our grass. Gone are the days where brown patches used to describe that small area of turf that's not getting sufficient water. Your lawn now is one big parched patch of brown.
But if there's a place where grass is much greener than most, it's here in the HSC. Which makes you wonder: is the HSC exempt from the current water restrictions enforced by the San Antonio Water System (SAWS)? "Because we use recycled water, 
we are not subject to any of SAWS or Edwards Aquifer water restrictions when the aquifer drops below 650 feet", says David Brahm, Assistant Director of Facilities Management for Grounds Maintenance. "In an effort to conserve Edwards Aquifer water, the irrigation system on the Main Campus is now part of the SAWS program which uses treated recycled municipal wastewater".
The HSC still complies with the irrigation time guidelines of watering between the hours of 8:00 PM and 10:00 AM, with the exception of times when Grounds Maintenance 
personnel need to inspect the irrigation system for repairs or adjustments. "This we are allowed to do at any time of the day", says Brahm. "Our irrigation system is very extensive and consists of many controllers, valves, and spray heads. It is difficult for us to find all problems as soon as they appear." Brahm asks everyone to report any irrigation-related problems or concerns to Facilities Management at 567-2885. «»
David Brahm
Assistant Director, Grounds Maintenance
567-2885
"HSC Recognized by SAWS with
'WaterSaver' Award - an article by HSCNews. Read it here.
