Date of Graduation

Spring 5-16-2025

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Environmental Management (MSEM)

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Environmental Management

First Advisor

Amalia Kokkinaki

Abstract

Abstract

Water scarcity is increasing in California, so we need strategies to reduce potable water demand. Decentralized greywater systems offer promising solutions to this problem. This study provides a roadmap for successfully implementing greywater reuse at the University of San Francisco (USF) by addressing financial, technical, and regulatory considerations. By deploying a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative expert interviews and quantitative water usage analysis, policy review, cost analysis, and case studies, this study established USF’s annual recycled water demand as 8 million gallons, with two primary uses: irrigation, which accounts for 67% of the demand, and toilet-urinal flushing, which represents 33% of the remaining. A cost analysis of three greywater technologies (i.e., Constructed Wetlands, Membrane Bioreactors, and Living Machines) revealed that the constructed wetland project alternative CW2 was the most economically feasible option, offering a unit cost of $4,700/AF which represents an 8% decrease in per unit cost as compared to SFPUC’s rate of $5,100/AF. SFPUC’s Onsite Water Reuse Grant Program and CSWRCB’s Water Recycling Funding Program can minimize the economic burden, while clear documentation and early engagement with permitting agencies can help reduce permitting delays. Technical feasibility is achieved through a phased approach beginning with a pilot irrigation project before expanding to toilet-urinal flushing. Advanced filtration & disinfection will minimize clogging, microbial regrowth & fouling as automating disinfection helps to avoid over and under chlorination further making the project more technically feasible. Adopting these strategies provides the roadmap for advancing USF’s sustainable water management goals while contributing to California’s ambitious water recycling goals.

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