AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin is revolutionizing its use of water through the development of the UT WaterHub®, a 9,600-square-foot water processing facility on campus that will allow the University to dramatically decrease its water usage. Once constructed, the WaterHub® will be the largest of its kind in the nation.
The project, developed in collaboration with H2O Innovation, underscores the University’s commitment to water management innovation and its response to growing water scarcity, with an emphasis on enhancing the resilience of campus utility water services during storms and addressing aging infrastructure.
“This transformational project further positions UT Austin as a national leader in resource management. The UT WaterHub® will enable the University to be proactive, resilient and dynamic in our reclaimed and recovered water strategy — prioritizing utility water conservation with auxiliary water resources — and creating a profound, best-in-class service for the University community. We want to thank H2O Innovation for helping us turn this pioneering idea into a reality,” said Xavier Rivera Marzán, executive director of utilities and energy management.
The UT WaterHub® is expected to substantially reduce campus water usage, decrease the University’s dependence on city water supplies year-round and enhance utility infrastructure resilience — resulting in cost savings in water purchases and water discharge fees for many years. Early projections indicate that the UT WaterHub® will reduce campus potable water usage by 40% and reduce sewer volume by up to 70%.
The UT WaterHub® is also expected to use fewer chemicals and require fewer resources overall to treat wastewater, while incorporating natural processes such as plant life and gravity for treatment and reducing reliance on energy-intensive machinery and chemicals. It will be located in the center of the engineering district of campus, allowing students and researchers to study water treatment and reuse technologies in a real-world application.
“This new UT WaterHub® installation exemplifies our mission to revolutionize water management in institutional settings. By combining cutting-edge technology with our innovative financing approach, we’re making it easier for organizations to adopt sustainable water practices that benefit both their bottom line and the environment, paving a step forward in water positivity,” said Frédéric Dugré, president and CEO of H2O Innovation.
