By Tricia Kuse, Johnson Controls
More than two thousand miles of prairies, mountains and deserts separate Milwaukee, Wisconsin and San Diego, California. The climates and cultures in the two cities couldn’t be more different. But right now, they have at least two big things in common: wild animals and water.
In the wild animals department, both San Diego and Milwaukee have fabulous zoos. The world-famous San Diego Zoo is routinely ranked as the best in the nation, and the Milwaukee Zoo is often on lists of the top zoos in the U.S.
What about water? Well, each city has a massive body of water in its front yard – San Diego, the Pacific Ocean; Milwaukee, Lake Michigan. The whole state of California is in the midst of a severe water shortage – one that’s prompted the Governor to declare a state of emergency. And Milwaukee is working hard to establish itself as the World Water Hub for water research, economic development and education.
In San Diego, the emphasis on water ratchets up several notches next week when the American Water Works Association (AWWA) holds its annual conference and exposition in the city. High on the conference agenda will be water efficiency, which, coincidentally, is also high on list of priorities at the Milwaukee County Zoo.
At Johnson Controls, we’re proud to be working with the Milwaukee Zoo to make habitats for some 350 species of animals more water and energy efficient. After conducting an exhaustive audit of Zoo buildings that are spread out over 200 acres of spacious parkland, we’re implementing a range of large-scale equipment upgrades and operational improvements. To mention a few:
- Updating to low-flow sinks, aerators, toilets and valves
- Putting control valves on drinking trays in the Aviary Building
- Regulating water flow at the Japanese Macaque Island
- Turning off water at night for decorative displays and waterfalls in the small mammal building and in the bear and giraffe exhibits
These and other measures are expected to cut the Zoo’s water use in half and save 100 million gallons of water each year.
Just as importantly, they’ll help create a more comfortable environment for the 1,800 “residents” – from alligators to zebras – and for Zoo visitors and staffers of the two-legged variety.
What’s more, because of the strong linkage between energy and water usage, the improvements we’re helping make at the Milwaukee Zoo will also result in significant energy savings. Recently, my colleague, Joy Clarke Holmes, and I presented a webcast about this important relationship between water and energy and the incredible opportunities to maximize both economic and environmental returns with smart water management. You can view the archived webcast here.
A recent study by the Natural Resources Defense Fund estimates that if California businesses adopt proper water efficiency measures, enough water could be saved to supply San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. The report calls on the commercial, industrial and institutional sectors to dramatically improve their water efficiency – and it’s clear that institutions such as the Milwaukee County Zoo are leading the way.
It’s also clear that the time is now for others to join in. Efficiency Now. It’s never been more important.
Today when fresh water levels in Southern California have dropped alarmingly, the need to save water has grown in importance. Whether it is at home or at work, all of us need to make a conscious effort to save water. In fact BeWaterWise.com has a very good section on how to save water at work and home – http://tr.im/o1I0
These tips are simple, inexpensive and can save gallons of water every day. Water conservation is very important. Please take a look at these tips and spread the word around.