New school aims for environmental design

The new primary school for Wimberley ISD could become a model for environmentally friendly practices if proposed changes are incorporated into the new design.

“We have been in very productive meetings with local environmental organizations, The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment from Texas State University, Cypress Creek, Wimberley Valley Watershed Association and others, about options to possibly include a One Water onsite wastewater system at the new primary campus,” Wimberley ISD Superintendent Dwain York said. “Among the possibilities are rainwater and HVAC condensate collection and wastewater reuse.”

The Cypress Creek Watershed Protection Plan project team, which is managed by the Meadow’s Center, has been working with WISD to add features of a “One Water” approach, which would incorporate holistic practices for drinking water, onsite reuse and stormwater.

“This is the most economically viable plan for managing wastewater for the school and for the region,” Nick Dornak, coordinator of the Cypress Creek Watershed Protection Plan, said. “It is the most efficient use of water, valuing it at every phase, which is the concept of One Water. This is also an opportunity for the school district and the school board to show leadership and build around the community to show sustainable water management practices. We will reduce groundwater demands up to 90 percent with this design for the school.”

The team has requested the school capture 100 percent of rainwater and AC condensate to be used for toilet flushing and landscaping use. This would also include clear pipes in certain areas of the school so students and staff could see the process or rainwater harvesting.

“Because of where this site sits, between Jacob’s Well and Blue Hole in the watershed, it is significant that the drainage from the site does flow down into Cypress Creek into Blue Hole so managing that stormwater runoff efficiently and effectively is really important,” David Baker, with the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association, said.

The proposal also includes onsite wastewater treatment so that the effluent can be reused to reduce or eliminate the need for potable water to irrigate the landscaping. Green infrastructure, including permeable pavers and bioretention efforts like rain gardens, would also be included as well as other environmental education efforts with native plants, a nature trail and school gardens.

Baker said that he believes the infrastructure costs associated with the projects are currently within the budgeted amounts for the school. Dornak said he is “comfortable saying this project will save the school a million dollars over the next 30 years.”

“It is really a chance to unify the community behind the watershed protection plan and integrate this into the entire community,” Baker said. “It is something we would all be very proud of. The students would benefit from attending the first One Water school in Texas and having the pride in the fact that they are protecting this place we all love.”

Wimberley ISD will hold a Bond Update Community Forum on Nov. 29 at the District Offices at 6:30 p.m.

“We’re excited about finalizing the design phase of all of the projects made possible by the passage of the 2018 Wimberley ISD Bond, especially with the new primary campus and the addition to Danforth Junior High” York said. “We encourage parents and any community members to come out Thursday night to get more information about all the projects.”

The forum will give an update on the projects from the most recent bond while also giving the public a chance to ask questions about the bond projects such as the new Primary school.