91短视频

A centrally-controlled sprinkler system in use at 91短视频 campuses cuts costs and conserves water. (Photo: Elias Barboza)

• July 21, 2010

• By Elias Barboza

While a wet winter may have lessened drought conditions that have plagued the state for the past three years, Ric Williams and his staff take care not to waste natural resources at 91短视频 regardless of seasonal changes.

A drive to save water, as well as time and money, was behind 91短视频's successful switch to a centrally controlled irrigation system, said Williams, grounds manager and landscape architect for the university.

A computerized program based in the grounds shop of the Facilities Management Department controls approximately 3,000 sprinklers covering 95 percent of the Hayward campus. The program allows Williams and his team to set a timer controlling sprinkler start and stop times. The system also alerts staff members if there is a problem with any individual unit.

"Water in California is liquid gold," Williams said. "Many colleges in California keep the same time, year-round for sprinklers to set off. But by changing the timer on sprinklers each season with the computer, our campus saves thousands of gallons of water."

Through the central control base, workers directly fix a problem without checking each sprinkler individually, saving hours of staff time. The majority of the water is used on lawn areas with the rest being used for shrubs, trees, and flowerbeds. Williams said his team controls the system to its fullest potential and updates it when necessary.

The new Student Services and Administration building and future Recreation and Wellness Center on the Hayward campus are only a few of the many places which are connected to the system. The Concord campus operates on the same centrally controlled irrigation system.

"The irrigation system is definitely good for the environment and saves the school a ton of money," said Williams."No one is making us use this kind of system, East Bay does it on its own. Our goal is to stay up with technology and provide the best for the campus."