Cisterns (Stormwater collection system)

A cistern is a large tank that collects rainwater from a surface such as roofs. Cisterns are most appropriate when there is significant outdoor water needs. Our cisterns at UDC enable us to collect up to 18,000 gallons of stormwater. Our system includes a pump to provide sufficient water pressure to use the water on the plaza as well as a UV system to disinfect the water. Rainwater can be used for many activities, including:

  -Watering plants (gardens, lawn)

  -Washing cars

  -Flushing toilets (requires additional permits and plumbing)

  -Colling equipment

 

At UDC, we have above ground cisterns in two locations (B and C Level parking) and both collect stormwater from UDC Plaza. The collected stormwater is used for on-site reuse in a water feature, and in non-potable applications, such as plant irrigation. UDC’s College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) is working to diversify the application of collected stormwater at UDC, including its reuse in growing food on the UDC productive greenroof on Building 44.

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Benefits of a Cistern:

  -Savings on UDC’s water bill

  -Relief from drainage problems and basement flooding issues by collecting and containing much of the   roof runoff.

  -A reduction in storm water runoff from UDC Plaza, which reduces the amount of sediment and other pollutants that would be washed away with the runoff into nearby storm drains and local streams.

  -Groundwater recharge

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