Water Ideas

No-flush urinals not functioning correctly at FTLB
While I applaud NREL's effort at saving water — and I know the idea behind the no-flush urinals is sound — in practice, these devices are a disaster! Every single one of them in the Field Test Laboratory Building (FTLB) gives off odors that make your eyes burn. Taking a shower in the FTLB's shower room is beyond disgusting. I have talked with the Facilities guys and they hate them more than any of the men over here. The traps have to be changed more often than the manufacturer says, and salts buildup in the drainpipe — especially when it's cold — and cause them to drain poorly, if at all. Please give us a better fixture than this, even if we have to go back to the old fixtures.

• Response. We have talked with Site Operations and have confirmed that there is a significant problem — and a remedy is in place. The manufacturer has been brought in, and it has been determined that these fixtures were installed incorrectly by the installation contractor. This is the identified source of the "salts buildup." The manufacturer has agreed to pay for proper reinstallation. It is expected that the reinstallation will be completed by early December. The no-flush urinals were installed as part of Executive Order 13123, "Greening the Government through Efficient Energy Management," and DOE Order 430.2A, "Departmental Energy and Utility Management," which mandate an aggressive policy for reducing potable water consumption at federal facilities. The no-flush urinals were one of the best-management practices (BMPs) implemented in FY03 — this and other efforts toward water conservation are outlined in our Water Efficiency Plan (PDF 1.1 MB). (September 2003)

Gray water can violate state health laws
Regarding water-conservation measures at NREL, could some of the "gray" water from the Field Test Laboratory Building's bathroom sinks, showers, drinking-fountain drains, and kitchenette sinks be diverted to water the grass?

• Update to response: NREL's ability to use the three types of water still appears to be very limited, based on a search of the current regulations. Here are the latest provisions and what NREL is pursuing:
  
  Rain water harvesting. NREL might be able to collect rain water to apply to the land if we got a decree from Water Court that it would not harm other water rights. An augmentation plan may be required. Water Court takes 4 months to 2 years, depending on the complexity of the request. Water attorneys would also be required to take us through the process. NREL obtained an opinion from federal water attorneys in June 2003 regarding the possibility of NREL obtaining a water right for use of water that collects in detention ponds, which would be a similar situation. Their opinion was not terribly hopeful: They indicated that the area in which we operate already is a fully appropriated and over-committed area for water rights. Any water right we might seek through the State Engineer would be an extremely junior right, if we could secure one at all.
  
  Warm-up water use. According to Denver Water, the opinion is that NREL could legally divert water that has not yet been used and would otherwise be wasted. (Consolidated Mutual Water Company is NREL's water provider). This is water that runs down the drain while waiting for it to warm up in restroom and kitchen sinks and showers. Most water delivered to customers is authorized for one use only. If NREL could capture this water, we could divert it to landscaping or other uses, because we have not previously used it. I don't think it would be a terribly large volume, but it might help if we could develop a practical way to get it outside where it needs to be.
  
  Gray water use. This excludes wastewater from toilets and any sources that could potentially contain chemicals such as Lab sinks or boiler lines. That leaves wastewater from restroom and kitchen sinks and locker room showers - not a very large volume. The water rights issue also applies to gray water, assuming we are authorized for one use only (we are checking with Site Operations on how our water agreement reads). We would have to apply to Water Court as described above for a water right to use gray water. If we resolved the water rights issue or if Consolidated Mutual water was authorized for more than one use (unlikely), NREL might be able to apply this water to the land if we obtained a permit and are willing to meet the state's monitoring requirements. (March 2005)
  
  
• Response: According to state law, it is illegal to use gray water on the grass because of health regulations. Part of the issue is that Colorado's health laws don't distinguish between the so-called gray water and the less healthful "black" water. A permit and daily testing for bacteria is required to use gray water within city limits. Storing gray water without a special water right also is considered violation of water law. Thanks for your recommendation! (September 2002)

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