Project ID: 2003RI14B

Title: URI Water Conservation Program Development

Project Type: Research

Focus Categories: Drought, Management and Planning, Water Supply

Keywords: Drought, Education, Water Supply

Start Date: 03/01/2003

End Date: 02/24/2004

Federal Funds: $10360.00

Matching Funds: $23782.00

Congressional District: 2

Principal Investigator: rose, vincent celmer

Abstract: This will be a joint effort between the College of Engineering and University Facilities Services to develop a water conservation program for the University. The effort will involve:

1) Collection of data on water use on the Kingston Campus, 2) Analysis of the data to determine major categories of use, 3) Selection and evaluation of potential areas for significant water reduction, 4) development of strategies for reducing use in these areas, 5) Economic evaluation of the cost and payback periods for proposed changes.

The University of Rhode Island is located on and a principal user of water from the Chipuxet aquifer, a sole source aquifer. Since the water in the Chipuxet River routinely drops below the aquatic base flow (ABS) and the 7Q 10 flow. It is essential that plans for reducing withdrawal be developed by all major users. This study would develop a conservation plan for one of the major users. The study would be conducted by URI engineering students under the direction of Vincent Rose and Jerry Sidio. It would involve a student, ten hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours per week during the summer for one calendar year.

Progress/Completion Report PDF