With the summer heat peaking, it鈥檚 a wonder that CU Boulder鈥檚 lawns stay pristine. Here are 10 interesting facts about CU鈥檚 irrigation system which gets the job done:
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CU has the largest centrally-controlled irrigation system west of the Mississippi River. -
All told, campus has over 66,000 sprinkler heads.
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The sprinklers are controlled via radio signal.
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Almost all watering is done between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m.
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Over 80 percent of the water comes from Anderson Ditch, which runs along Broadway from Boulder Creek.
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CU estimates it saves $440,000 annually from using ditch water instead of treated city water.
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The irrigation system is able to adjust water usage based on information provided from three weather stations on campus.
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The campus has seven ponds which hold a three-day back-up water supply.
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Five pump stations, located throughout campus, provide pressure to the irrigation system.
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There are three full-time irrigation technicians.
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