Written by

Luke Theivagt, EEI 2017 Intern

Imagine a house independent of outside support. A house which does not require water from a treatment plant, or electricity from a power plant to support comfortable living because it contains the capacity to produce everything that it needs on its own. A house like this was built by UNT with the help of several donors, and in the years since, professors and graduate students at UNT have been testing and developing the technology used within the home to produce a cheaper and more efficient zero energy home. On Thursday June 22nd as an EEI intern, I was able to visit the home and was given an extensive tour explaining how a zero footprint home is possible. `

Figure 1. The Zero Energy House Research Laboratory at University Park, UNT.

The front of the house contains small flat containing a bed, small kitchen with a refrigerator and sink, a card table to sit at, and a bathroom. This room was made to comfortably fit four people and is used to test the practicality of these energy and water saving devices in a normal house environment.

To produce its own self sustainable energy, the house draws from two vertical windmills, which produce around 3.6 kilowatts and catch air from all directions, greatly increasing efficiency, while producing little to no sound. Also producing great amounts of energy, large solar panels lay along the inside of the oddly “V” shaped roof, producing an average of 5.6 kilowatts from the hot Texas

Figure 2. The house produces its own clean energy with windmills and solar panels on the roof

Shaped in a “V” formation, the roof easily collects large amounts of rainfall in a massive 3,000 gallon storage tank underneath the house. After being collected, the house automatically pumps the water through several carbon filters and UV lasers, a process which purifies and cleans the rainwater.  By cleaning it’s own water, the house can supply all systems in the house from the shower to the faucet with it’s own water.

Another amazing instalment which enables the house’s self sufficiency is the method in which it maintains a comfortable temperature throughout the building. First, to mitigate the large energy drain experienced in most homes, the zero energy house utilizes sensors to determine the location of each parson and how many people there are in the building, allowing it to not waste power on maintaining the temperature for an area of the house with no one in it.  To maintain the temperature, the zero energy house pumps cold water from an underground spring into several pipes directly under the floorboard, allowing the cold in the water to radiate throughout the house when the temperature rises above a certain point.

Figure 3. On the left, the rainwater is collected and later cleaned for its usage in the house. On the right, a look of the indoor of the house

Continued development in these various energy efficient processes are required for a greener, cleaner future. The work done at this facility paves way for more efficient and cost effective techniques which, with proper development could eventually become cheap enough to be placed and utilized in the average home. I learned that not only is water essential to all living life but, with proper techniques it can be used in countless applications, such as a medium to transfer heat across a large space to regulate temperature. In the same way that EEI seeks to conserve water and our natural resources, the research in the zero energy house provides new and expanding ways to conserve electricity and other essential resources.

Figure 4. The interns enjoyed the tour to the Zero Energy House research lab at University Park, UNT.

Written by

Cindy Ren, EEI 2017 Intern

On Thursday June 15th, we visited the Bachman Water Plant facility. Unlike the previous water plant, this one produced drinking water. We were led by our guide into the phase where water was treated with ozone. Because ozone was extremely unstable, it had to be shipped to the plant in oxygen form, and be transformed into ozone on-site. Our guide explained the oxygen arrived in liquid form at extremely low temperatures, and were led through pipes indoors and heated as they were pumped in. We went in and observed as the oxygen, now in a gaseous form, was run parallel with electricity to disturb its electrons and bind to form ozone instead – however, the guide told us that this process only turned about 10% of the oxygen into ozone – the rest needed to be recycled. Despite this, the heat given off from the reaction is put to good use by heating cool water that is run parallel to it. This effective usage of all the parts of the reaction, even the energy given off, interested me. It was enlightening to see what methods they could use to make the plant as tight as possible in its energy usage and efficiency.

Figure 1. Interns had the privilege to have a guided tour through the Bachman treatment plant.

We then followed the output of ozone to large rectangular tanks, where they would treat the water. The plant made use of the effective of natural gravity by installing large panels from the top and bottom of the tanks, so that when water moved through them, it would be forced down and then up again, producing areas of pressure where the ozone would be blasted with water. The plant’s use of a simple design, rather than complex or heavy machinery (although there are many to handle chemicals) as I’d thought before, was maximizing its space and using structural advantage. As we moved further into the plant, I discovered increasing use of these more simple processes.

However, the excess ozone needed to be destroyed; we were lead into a room where several tanks again modified the ozone to become oxygen, which could be released. Because of the gas’s instability, a small bit of ozone would be diverted each time to a side pipe with a meter that read its contents, and therefore if anything happened, the staff would know and modify parts of the machine.

We proceeded outside. The water there were treated with coagulants, which combine with the sediment and dirt in there to make them clump together and sink. They swirled around slowly in giant tanks; again, surprisingly to me, there wasn’t much heavy or extremely complicated machine in motion, just mixers that made sure slow-moving water allows the dirt to clump and water to flow onto the next step. The advantage to having the water outside, I realized, was that the control room physically see the process and could more easily pinpoint a spot if something went wrong. Any rain that fell, the guide explained, wouldn’t really affect the water – their tanks were large enough to hold the extra volume. It moved towards a large pool with a conical bottom where sludge pooled and emptied – again, at this stage, there were physical controls in place that measured the sediment level in the water, as well as valves that could be manipulated to change any part of the flow. I noticed that at every part of the plant, they contained some way to assess the progress of the water, which would be extremely helpful in determining anything that went wrong by separating the process into different pieces to analyze. Having both computer-operated and manual steps set in place to regulate the plant provided an extra measure of safety – because Bachman plant processed over 160 million gallons a day to Dallas citizens, I could see the need for precaution.

Figure 2. One of the steps is the coagulation process, where organic material accumulates at the bottom and removed in a next step.

The water would then proceed to a mechanism that allowed the coagulated mud to be overflowed into a trough before being filtered through chemicals. In this area, freshwater was pumped to make the water levels rise, and the coagulants poured into a central tunnel that led away from the water, to be sent away while the water was filtered through chemicals. This area was another example of letting the flow of gravity do its job, and utilize a simpler process than I’d previously thought to get rid of the extra sediment.

In the last stage, the water would be treated with chlorine. I learned that they shipped in chlorine in liquid form as well, in giant 90-gallon tanks to destroy any pathogens inside the water; then, ammonia is combined to neutralize the effect of the chlorine and render it less toxic. Our last stop led us to the operations room, where all manual valves and chemical levels could be monitored.

The tour left me with an appreciation for the reliance of the plant on more natural and mechanical methods of cleaning water, both to conserve energy and increase efficiency, such as heating water through the ozone reaction by simply using pipes and direction, or making the most out of gravity to pressure water to flow. Like I have learned through Dallas EEI, the more chemicals that go into the water, the harder it is to predict how it interacts with other, unknown particles inside water, and the more is needed to cancel it out – as was the case with chlorine and ammonia. I dropped my preconceptions of heavy chemical use in treatment plants; additionally, the effects of water conservation that Dallas EEI is spreading through educational programs to children were visible to me in the plant. The water that we use goes through each and every part of the process in Bachman to be cleaned and reused again, and even though the plant is equipped with energy-efficient areas, it still takes a lot of energy for a specific volume of water to go through the process. This energy, including the work and innovation needed to make sure things operated ideally and effectively, could be reduced by limiting unnecessary use of water flowing into the plant – which is exactly the goal of the conservation lessons and procedures that EEI instills. That water usage comes from us.

The precise measurements in every aspect to make sure the water produced was safe to drink and maximize results – and the calculations they still do each day – impress me, and this sort of analysis can be applied to education of saving water as well, tweaking lessons and target audiences to make sure the importance of water conservation is spread far and wide.

Figure 3. The Bachman treatment plant cleans over 160 million gallons a day to Dallas citizens.

Written by

Jennifer Larios, EEI 2017 Intern

On Wednesday, my fellow interns and I had t   he privilege to visit Texas A&M’s AgriLife Research Center. Going into this, I did not expect to take so much away from a simple visit. To my surprise, I learned about a whole different side of water conservation and about new careers in the environmental science field in general.

To get a better picture of the importance of Agrilife, it is a good idea to learn exactly what it is and what its purpose is; Texas A&M’s AgriLife Research Center is a state-of-the-art technology development agency in agriculture, natural resources, and the life sciences.

While our stay, we were able to meet Daniel Cunningham – who is part of AgriLife’s Water University Program. Water University is a program that conducts public outreach and research on water conservation and quality statewide. We were able to take a tour of the house and two apartments that AgriLife constructed in order to showcase that conservation and design can coexist; in other words, they were able to demonstrate that living a comfortable life while also saving water is possible. Low-flow toilets, sensory devices and recycled materials were a few of the innovations used throughout the house. My favorite part of the house were the sinks; instead of waiting 15-20 seconds for the water to get warm, there is a button on the side of the sink that you press in order to get hot water in a matter of a couple of seconds. As you can imagine, this small detail can save many valuable drops of water.

Figure 1. A water sense house include changes both outside and inside of a house towards a more sustainable usage of water.

Daniel talked to the Dallas EEI team about horticulture, and the ability to save water while also enjoying gardening. We learned about collecting rainwater to water the plants when water is running low, and other helpful tricks. Daniel also talked about composting and the importance of disposing of waste in a manner that is healthy to the Earth. Rather than sending our scraps to the landfill, we can compost it and use it for our gardens. This type of proactive thinking has incited change throughout our history.

Figure 2. Interns were able to learn about horticulture and how it can be used to save water

AgriLife’s Water University, like Dallas EEI, has made conserving water a mission. Educating the public about these issues, and building on basic knowledge will help make noticeable impact in our communities. In the near future, when I start a garden, I will make sure to take both Daniel’s and AgriLife’s advice to save water and live a more waste-free life. In conclusion, this field trip to AgriLife opened my eyes to many different issues I paid little to no attention to before, and definitely helped make me into a more conscious person.

Figure 3. Using native plants can help use water, attract pollinators and keep a fresh look in the front yard.

Written by

Skylar Morrow, 2017 EEI Intern

The Central Wastewater Treatment Plant stands to be over 4,000 miles long, in pipelines, and manages to serve 1.25 million people in and around the city of Dallas. By serving at that magnitude, the Treatment Plant takes in about 450 million gallons of wastewater daily and is expected to clean all of it despite holidays, weather conditions, or dangers of the job.

Visiting the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant, my original thoughts constantly changed from what was originally believed about places like that to what they actually are. The first thing that comes to a person’s mind when thinking of a wastewater treatment plant is the smell of the waste, the overuse of harsh chemicals, and the amazement that with a little help from everyone, the process of cleaning dirty water can be sped up tremendously compared to a river on its own. Though, once we all met the workers, witnessed firsthand some of the tasks and processes that are completed, and hardly smelt the garbage first expected, I knew that there was so much more to learn about the Wastewater Treatment Plants.

Figure 1.Interns were able to see firsthand the different steps in the Waste Water treatment Plant

First off, the smell is barely, if at all, present; the prominent unpleasant smell did not even come from the Wastewater Treatment Plant but rather a neighboring company nearby. Later along in the tour, there was a more natural smell, which was actually appealing and tolerable, from the use of Chlorine and Sulfur Dioxide.

Though it was also believed that numerous amounts of chemicals would be put into the water in order for it to be cleaned and released back into the Trinity River, that was also proven wrong until the end. Throughout most of the process, the cleansing of the water is actually done with physical, mechanical, and natural methods. Most of the larger items are screened out of the water in a pretreatment, preparing the water for further screening and removal, clarifying, filtering, and further disinfecting treatments. Once most of the dirt is removed and the water is near pristine, certain elements and chemicals are streamed through the water, such as Oxygen, Chlorine, and Sulfur Dioxide to eliminate the remaining impurities that cannot be removed physically.

Figure 2. Most of the cleaning is a physical process using natural element as rocks and microorganisms that are present in the rivers.

Probably the only thing that did not change before or after visiting the Wastewater Treatment Plant was the astonishment that the murky, dirty water going into the plant can come out hours later with a brilliant blue tint and flow back into the Trinity River, only to repeat the cycle again due to the constant use. It of course is no easy task to do this in half the time it would naturally take, daily, but it is a reality that has been here for decades and will continue on as long as we are here to use up that same water.

Many of us have been oblivious to how much water we waste and tend to lose interest or concern in it once it runs down the drain or the toilet is flushed. Though this planet is over 70% water, it is finite and will run out if we do not change our habits now. By interning with the Environmental Education Initiative, EEI, I have been cultivated in the vitality of water and how it should be preserved as best we can and also given techniques to achieve this goal of water conservation. I am glad to have participated in this opportunity and learning experience, and I recommend that everyone participate in the goal to conserve water, not only for his or her self, family, or for this program, but for the world where we all live which continues to do so much for us.

COMPOSTING WORKSHOP
Saturday, June 10, 2017
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Richland College – Wichita Hall, Room 103
12800 Abrams Road, Dallas, TX 75243

Click here to view a campus map with parking areas for the workshop.

Parking is available in Lots C and D on the west side of the campus (entrance from Abrams Road).

Is your trash can full at the end of the week? Did you know that you can reduce the waste carried to landfills by composting more and throwing away less? This program teaches the composting process, the different types and methods of composting, as well as how to compost and its importance. Plan to attend the workshop!

Daniel Cunningham, a horticulturist with the Water University of Texas A&M AgriLife Research in Dallas will be the instructor.

Make a Reservation
Space is limited. Please register online at SaveDallasWater.com or by calling (214) 670-3155.

Workshop is sponsored by City of Dallas Water Utilities, Richland College, and Texas A&M AgriLife Research.

DALLAS WATER UTILITIES IS PRESENTING “DIY PLUMBING REPAIRS” WORKSHOPS DURING EPA’S “NATIONAL FIX-A-LEAK WEEK” (MARCH 20-26) IN EAST AND WEST DALLAS

Did you know that the average American home loses 14% of their water use to leaks? Attend our no cost workshop to learn how you can perform do-it-yourself minor repairs to save water and help lower your water bill. Below are some of the topics that will be covered at the workshop:

• Replacing toilet fill and flush valves and flappers
• Fixing leaky faucets
• Installing faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads
• Water Conservation tips

TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017 ● 6:30 P.M. TO 8:30 P.M.
WEST DALLAS MULTIPURPOSE CENTER
2828 Fish Trap Road, Dallas, TX 75212

Space is limited, please register online for the West Dallas workshop at SaveDallasWater.com or by calling (214) 670-3155.

NOTA: UN TALLER TAMBIÉN ESTARÁ PRESENTADO EN ESPAÑOL EN EL CENTRO.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2017 ● 6:30 P.M. TO 8:30 P.M.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. RECREATION CENTER
2922 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75215

Space is limited, please register online for the East Dallas workshop at SaveDallasWater.com or by calling (214) 670-3155.

Workshops sponsored by City of Dallas Water Utilities Conservation, City of Dallas Housing and Community Services and City of Dallas Park and Recreation. Licensed plumbers with A-Star Heat and Air Plumbing, Inc. in Garland will be the instructors.

Questions? Contact Us

Student and Teachers: Enter this year’s Dallas Water Utilities Visual Arts, Poster and T-shirt contests to win awesome prizes! Follow @Save Dallas Water or visit SaveDallasWater.com for more information!

Do you enjoy creating artwork? If the answer is yes, then be sure to enter Dallas Water Utilities 2017 Art Contests. Follow @Save Dallas Water or visit SaveDallasWater.com for more information!

Did you know that all Dallas area students and teachers are eligible to win cool prizes through the Dallas Water Utilities 2017 Art Contests? Follow @Save Dallas Water or visit SaveDallasWater.com for more information!

Elementary & Middle School Students

Learn More

Elementary Information

Middle School Information

High School Students

Learn More

High School Information

DALLAS WATER UTILITIES PRESENTS:

LAWN CARE MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2017 | 9:00 A.M. TO 11:00 A.M.
TEXAS DISCOVERY GARDENS AT FAIR PARK
3601 MARTIN L. KING JR. BOULEVARD – DALLAS 75210

Come and learn ways you can maintain a healthy lawn with less frequent watering. Discover the most effective and earth-friendly way to care for your lawn at the Texas Discovery Gardens Grand Hall in Fair Park (3601 Martin L. King Jr. Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75210).

Free parking is available through Gate 6 of Fair Park (off of Robert B. Cullum Boulevard).

Patrick Dickinson, a horticulturalist with the Urban Water Program at Texas A&M AgriLife Research in Dallas, will teach you how to care for your lawn like an expert. Subjects covered will include basic care for your lawn, common turf problems, how to water most efficiently and much more.

Make a reservation
Space is limited, please register online at SaveDallasWater.com or by calling us at (214) 670-3155.

Workshop sponsored by City of Dallas Water Conservation, Texas Discovery Gardens and Texas A&M AgriLife Research’s Water University.

Questions? Contact Us