Vernadero provides the following Water Resources Services:
- Rainwater Harvesting
- Groundwater
- Stormwater Catchment
- Water Resource Management
- Water Audit & Reuse System Planning & Design
Vernadero’s rainwater harvesting experts are extremely knowledgeable in the most efficient and cost-effective processes to collect and manage rainfall that does not reach the ground. We know the benefits a comprehensive rainwater harvesting system can provide, including a reduction in stormwater runoff and pollution transport; groundwater infiltration and recharge; and erosion prevention. Rainwater harvesting is an excellent option for landscape irrigation, vehicle washing, fire fighting, and toilet flushing. All these uses add up to significantly reduce a facility’s demand for potable water.
Groundwater resource evaluations commonly require large-scale groundwater basin evaluation and hydraulic aquifer characterization. Generally involving the assessment of groundwater development potential, these efforts can also include evaluation of potential impacts of new or continued groundwater use and development. Seasoned groundwater scientists and engineers on staff with Vernadero develop each project to achieve complete successful performance; from initial planning, field testing, and data analysis to well field development and monitoring. Using our in-house GIS capabilities, extensive digital reference library, and staff experience, Vernadero reviews available hydrogeologic and geologic data, well logs, and field reconnaissance information to identify potential well locations.
The realization that water falling from the sky is a valuable resource has lead to a heightened interest in stormwater catchment systems. Vernadero has the experience and knowledge to design and create systems that both collect and filter undesirable solids, pathogenic organisms or chemical compounds out of the water to meet local, state and federal requirements. Aside from helping meet increased Federal sustainability requirements, stormwater catchment offers a number of benefits including: reduction in stormwater runoff and pollution transport; groundwater infiltration and recharge; and erosion prevention. Captured stormwater is a cost-effective alternative water supply that requires minimal treatment for non-potable uses such as landscape irrigation, vehicle washing, fire fighting, and toilet flushing.
The success of the Army’s water resource program depends on strategic planning and careful management. In an effort to ensure their water needs will always be met, all installations should prepare comprehensive water management plans that are reviewed and updated periodically. Vernadero supports the Military’s choice to use a “Total Water Management” (TWM) planning tool; an approach that is a highly integrated water management system. This approach can help Army installations to economically meet their own water needs and the requirements of Executive Order (EO) 13423.
Vernadero is experienced in the seven principles that lay the foundation for TWM planning:
- Consider all sources or water (wastewater, stormwater, seawater, and others)
- Apply sustainability and equity in allocating water resources
- Account for all end users of water
- Consider water quantity and quality
- Include stakeholder participation in the planning process
- Ensure TWM decisions made at local and river basin levels are in-line with broader national objectives
- Integrate social, economical, and environmental goals into TWM strategies
WATER AUDIT & REUSE SYSTEM PLANNING & DESIGN
The Installation Management Command Community Campaign Plan for 2010-2017 has a metric that involves reducing potable water consumption by 16 percent per square foot of building between 2010 and 2015. By preparing water audits for your facility, Vernadero’s experienced staff is ready to assist you in setting a baseline by which to gauge future reductions.
Knowing current usage through water audits is a significant conservation measure that can additionally identify water loss due to leaks and waste. As water loss is minimized; efficiency is increased and the need to search for additional water sources decreases. Vernadero can also help with efforts to reuse water from once-through uses. Using harvested rainwater for non-potable applications also allows water supplies to be extended.