Botanica, 20 lush acres of award-winning Gardens, showcasing over 4,000 unique plant species in Wichita, Kansas, has launched a new reclaimed water initiative in partnership with the City of Wichita. The project is designed to conserve more than 3 million gallons of water during the city’s hottest 100 days by using nonpotable water from the city’s new water treatment plant.
Key facts:
- Source of water: Reclaimed water from testing operations at the City of Wichita’s new Water Treatment Plant
- Use: Irrigation of Botanica’s 20-acre gardens
- Water savings: Estimated 3 million+ gallons saved during summer
- Potable water impact: No use of city’s drinking water for irrigation
- Infrastructure: Temporary, on-site water storage and a high-capacity custom distribution system
- Cost avoidance: Tens of thousands of dollars in avoided water costs
- Environmental benefit: Reduces demand on municipal system during drought conditions
- Partnerships: City of Wichita providing water at no cost; funded through donor and corporate support
- Project status: Pilot program; data collection underway to evaluate long-term viability and potential expansion
- Community goal: Botanica is seeking 500 community members to contribute $50 each to fund the final phase
The project marks the first use of reclaimed water for irrigation at a public garden in Wichita and is being positioned as a model for other institutions considering similar water-saving measures.
