The building’s natural ventilation and use of natural light will aid the building in surviving in the future

Site Ecology

Eighty-five percent of the Pajaro Valley’s water use directly supports its $400 million agricultural industry

However, the local aquifer is draining more quickly than it can be replenished, creating an imbalance that has resulted in saltwater intrusion into coastal wells that endangers agriculture in the region

The Watsonville Water Resource Center recharges the aquifer, providing 4,000 acre- feet per year of recycled water for irrigation

The use of recycled water for irrigation also reduces the ability and chance for wastewater to enter the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

The building is also an educational center served to educate the public about conserving water through exhibitions and guided tours

It puts regional water issues on display to the regional community while providing a space for community interaction

Water Resources

Water flows through radiant tubes underneath the floors to provide heating and cooling

Rainwater flows from eaves (the overhand at the lower edge of a roof), down rain chains, and then is carried to basins where it is held back and treated prior to entering the groundwater system

Drought-tolerant plantings, plants that can withstand not being watered often, requiring less than 70% of typical water usage, are watered only when recycled water is available

These water conservation strategies help reduce drinkable water consumption by 50% and reduce the need for energy-intensive water transport

Also collects and stores rainwater for landscape irrigation The building also educates residents about water conservation

Cost Implications

Several green measures implemented throughout the building reduce energy costs such as energy use, initial costs, and maintenance cost savings as compared to conventional measures

Use of natural ventilation systems eliminated the energy costs of operating a chiller plus the initial cost of installation

The initial cost for the operable windows and fans necessary for natural ventilation and thermal comfort were balanced by eliminating the need for a building-wide mechanical cooling system and its associated costs

The building also serves as an educational center so the money has also been used on education

Watsonville Water Resource Center