With California drought worries at its peak, an innovative landscaping project on Clovis Community Medical Center’s 125-acre campus will make a big difference for the city’s water use and change the way the hospital uses water.
 

The project, scheduled for completion in just a few short months, will use recycled water from the city of Clovis and be its first private partner in changing how water is used in the city.
 

The Clovis Recycled Water Project allows more efficient use of the city’s recycled water, which is not potable (drinkable) for human consumption but can be used for landscape and other projects.  The recycled water takes a heavy burden from the city’s potable water – especially during the drought.
 

The recycled water, if not being used by city partners like Clovis Community, would otherwise be routed to percolation ponds for evaporation or sent down a creek or canal later in the year.
 

“So this is smart and efficient use of water for our campus while relieving the drain on our city’s water needs,” said John Hall, director of Facilities, Planning and Construction at the hospital. “We are always looking for ways to conserve our resources and help our community partners like the city.”
 

Across the Clovis Community campus visitors will see purple pipes, sprinkler boxes, and sprinkler heads that indicate the use of recycled water.  The new campus landscaping features large open spaces with drought tolerant trees, grasses and shrubs – using all recycled water.
 

Lighted walking paths and benches stretch for two miles around campus and are an added feature for visitors to use on this 50-plus acre landscaping project.
 

Clovis Community facilities’ staff received special training from the city of Clovis on how to utilize the recycled water correctly. The campus’ two water systems – one potable and the other recycled – are maintained separately.
 

“We look forward to our continued work with Clovis Community utilizing this valuable resource,” said Lisa Koehn, assistant public utilities director for the city of Clovis. “This usage will assist the city in meeting its goals for potable water conservation. In light of our continuing water challenges, we are excited that Clovis Community wants to lead the way in the use of recycled water.”
 

Reported by Mary Lisa Russell. She can be reached at MedWatchToday@communitymedical.org.