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1. How was the project financed?

The project was designed to provide an office environment where three organizations engaged in water management and conservation would be able to collaborate–Pajaro Valley Water Management, City of Watsonville Wastewater Operations and City of Watsonville Water Operations. This collaboration formed the basis for agreement on targeted efficiencies and needed flexibilities. In an effort to support renewable energy, the City of Watsonville created a partnership with an energy services company. This relationship allowed the project to engage easily in a power purchase agreement for photovoltaics, an advantage in the discussion and subsequent incorporation into the project.

2. What was the project cost?

Total project cost (land excluded): $11,000,000 US Dollars
Several green measures implemented throughout the building reduce energy costs, manifested both in energy use, initial costs, and maintenance cost savings as compared to conventional measures. Innovative strategies for heating and cooling included making use of the abundant cold recycled water produced by the water treatment plant on site.

Use of natural ventilation systems eliminated the energy costs of operating a chiller plus the initial cost of installation, as well as the cost and material use of sheet metal ducting that would have been used for a building this size. The initial cost for the operable windows and fans necessary for natural ventilation and thermal comfort were offset by eliminating the need for a building-wide mechanical cooling system and its associated costs.

3. What is the benefit to the community?

The Water Resource Center is a functional, educational and visual extension of the water recycling plant it supports, bringing together Pajaro Valley Water Management, City of Watsonville Wastewater Operations and City of Watsonville Water Operations under one roof for streamlined management and collaboration. Additionally, the building, its systems, and its landscape have been designed to serve as an interpretive center that puts regional water issues on display to the regional community, educating the public through exhibitions and guided tours and promoting regional and community connectivity while providing a space for community interaction.