Botanica to use reclaimed water from new treatment facility to maintain gardens
WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) — Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, is launching the Reclaimed Water Project—a groundbreaking initiative aimed at conserving water while maintaining its 20-acre gardens.
Kansas is currently facing drought conditions and rising water costs. In response, city engineers and operations workers found a way to capture test water from the new Wichita Water Works Facility to be used by Botanica. The reclaimed water is safe for watering plants in the gardens, but not for drinking. It will be stored and delivered through a high-capacity irrigation system that can last for 100 days.
Dr. Lynette Zimmerman, Executive Director of Botanica, remarked, “This project is more than just an upgrade—it’s a smart, sustainable solution to unpredictable weather and the increasing demand on city water. It demonstrates that cultural institutions like ours can lead the way in responsible resource use.”
The key benefits of the Reclaimed Water Project include:
- Preservation of over 3 million gallons of non-potable water over a 100-day period.
- Reduced strain on city water supplies during peak summer months.
- Savings of over $28,000 compared to traditional water costs.
- Promotion of leadership in environmental sustainability and drought resilience.
“The initiative itself will cover the majority of our irrigation need for the entire summer,” Dr. Zimmerman said.
But it won’t cover all of it. Dr. Zimmerman said that Botanica uses about 68,000 gallons of water per day. As the plan allocates about 40,000 gallons, Botanica still needs to use its regular city supply, at least partially.
“We want to be good stewards of the city’s resource and also participate in a project that is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Dr. Zimmerman said.
Visiting Botanica for the first time on Tuesday, Dev Kirmer, a master gardener from Topeka, praised the City of Wichita’s decision to further invest in the gardens.
“Well, I mean that means that they have a lot of investment in this place and I think that’s wonderful,” she said. “I mean, it’s such a wonderful asset for the City of Wichita.”
Wichita Public Works Director Gary Janzen said that city staff is in the process of obtaining final approval from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) for the project with Botanica.
“We’ve got a few nuances to work through on the technical side, but I think within the coming weeks, we should be ready,” said Janzen. “Once testing is up and going again to be able to make this happen.”
Testing was paused at the new facility last week due to mechanical failures. The city identified issues in the clarifiers, which are essential settling tanks designed to remove solid particles and improve water quality.
Janzen added, “Recapturing that test water is our top priority at Botanica, but we are also exploring other ways it could be utilized by contractors and possibly even the public. However, we need to address some issues before we can reach that stage.”
Despite recent rains, Wichita remains in Stage 2 of the city’s drought response plan. Since May 24, Cheney Reservoir, of the city’s main water source, is up 17 inches, down to 6.6 feet below normal.
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