CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, Feb. 17, 2010 -- Worrell Water Technologies and YMCA of Silicon Valley today announced that YMCA Camp Campbell in Boulder Creek, Calif., installed a Living Machine® ecological wastewater treatment and reuse system for its year-round camp. The YMCA opted to install an on-site solution that would support year-round camping and also serve as an outdoor learning lab for its popular Outdoor Science School. The school is aimed at 5th- and 6th-grade students visiting from 75 schools in the area surrounding the camp.
The Living Machine® system can be used in rural locations or in rapidly developing areas that have failing or limited water infrastructure, and can be integrated with existing water systems to increase capacity.
"The Living Machine® system enables us to continue to create a healthy environment for our campers and to meet our environmental standards," said Kathy Riggins, CEO of YMCA of Silicon Valley. "Students, families and colleagues on corporate retreats at YMCA Camp Campbell can see first-hand how ecosystems work by watching the Living Machine® system naturally break down wastewater with plants and microorganisms."
Faced with having to upgrade its existing wastewater treatment system to meet Santa Cruz county requirements, YMCA Camp Campbell selected the Living Machine® system to process up to 5,000 gallons of wastewater every day. The wastewater is collected in a buried primary tank and pumped into a series of wetland basins. Natural ecosystem processes combined with a computerized control system and a touch screen interface automate the process of alternately draining and filling wetland basins in a manner that occurs naturally in wetlands. The tidal cycles provide oxygen and nutrients for microorganisms that live in the wetland and naturally treat the wastewater.
"YMCA Camp Campbell is a great example of a site that is off the sewer grid and rural, yet able to install an advanced ecological wastewater treatment system that is aesthetic, energy-efficient, affordable and has a small footprint," said Will Kirksey, Executive Vice President at Worrell Water Technologies. "The Living Machine® system is easily operated through an Internet-based control system supporting automatic alerts and remote monitoring."
"We are happy that something so natural and chemical-free can operate within our camp," added Ms. Riggins. "Worrell Water Technologies provided us with permitting support and operating data that documented the success of the Living Machine® system in producing high quality water output."
More about the Living Machine® System
The Living Machine® system combines advanced ecological engineering and computer-based monitoring systems with natural tidal wetland ecosystem processes to produce high quality water for reuse applications. These systems treat both gray and black water without the chemicals, odor, offensive by-products or high energy usage typical of conventional systems. The treated water may then be recycled for purposes such as irrigating landscape and crops, flushing toilets, cooling system water, industrial process water, washing equipment or animal areas, landscape water features (e.g. fish ponds, waterfalls) and other uses. For more information, go to www.livingmachines.com
About Worrell Water Technologies
Worrell Water Technologies provides ecological wastewater treatment and water purification technologies. The company has an active research and development department, which has dedicated years to provide the means to recycle, purify and replenish our most essential natural resource -- water. Worrell Water's flagship products include the Living Machine® system, a proven ecological wastewater treatment system, and HydroSecure™, a high-level water purification system developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of State, and Secret Service, that provides an unexcelled level of control, safety and security for households, institutions, and commercial buildings. Headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, Worrell Water has a portfolio of proprietary intellectual property and a diverse professional, engineering and research staff. For additional information and photos of the company's products, visit www.worrellwater.com.
About YMCA of Silicon Valley
YMCA of Silicon Valley is a volunteer-led public charity that works collaboratively with community partners to improve the lives of children, adults, families, and the entire community. The nonprofit's mission is to strengthen and enrich the development of individuals and families through quality programs and services that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Integral to everything that the YMCA does are the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. The association of YMCAs serves people of all backgrounds, ages, capabilities and income levels, providing financial assistance to people in need. Encouraging, supporting and improving healthy living habits, among YMCA members and throughout the community, are central to the YMCA's purpose. Work also focuses on youth development through a wide variety of programs such as child and after-school care, teen activities, day and resident camps, swim lessons, organized sports, and parent-child adventures.
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