September 16, 2010
Note to editors: to hear more about the rainwater harvesting system, please visit
http://bit.ly/9AKTw9
McMaster campus using innovative system to collect rain, treat for drinking water
Hamilton, Ont. September 16, 2010—A new rainwater harvesting system at McMaster University is dramatically reducing reliance on municipal systems as well as providing a valuable teaching tool for students.
The sophisticated system collects rainfall from the rooftop of the newly constructed Engineering
Technology Building, then filters and disinfects it for both drinking and non-drinking purposes
throughout the building.
“In terms of treating drinking water, this is the first rain harvesting system of its kind in use at any
institution across the country,” says Tony Cupido, assistant vice president of Facility Services. “Even
in a water-rich province, the costs of water are on the rise in addition to issues related to groundwater
depletion and surface water contamination. This system is both valuable in terms of conservation,
sustainability and education.”
Rainwater harvesting has translated into a 70 – 90 per cent reduction in potable water requirements
from the municipal system, says Cupido, who is also completing his PhD in Civil Engineering. His
research focuses on the quality of rainwater being collected on the building’s roof.
The system is also designed to train engineering students and provide research opportunities.
Collection pipes, which carry water from the rooftop, have remained exposed so students can learn
leading edge approaches to environmental design. The mechanical room of the building was
designed to become a prime teaching location. Engineering students will have the opportunity to
examine the systems, take them apart, analyze the water and conduct research.
"This project demonstrates the leadership role engineers can play in building a sustainable society, something the Faculty has committed to pursuing," says David Wilkinson, dean of the Faculty of Engineering. "We have always had a strong focus on providing our students with the best possible facilities and this system will offer remarkable new opportunities to learn, particularly in relation to environmental concerns."
McMaster University, one of four Canadian universities listed among the Top 100 universities in the
world, is renowned for its innovation in both learning and discovery. It has a student population of
23,000, and more than 140,000 alumni in 128 countries.
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For more information, please contact:
Michelle Donovan
Public Relations Manager, Broadcast Media
McMaster University
905-525-9140, ext. 22869
donovam@mcmaster.ca
Jane Christmas
Manager, Public & Media Relations
McMaster University
905-525-9140 ext. 27988
chrisja@mcmaster.ca