Case Study Al Sammaleah Island Abu Dhabi
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Al Sammaleah Island – Abu Dhabi, UAE: Several demonstration plots were installed on Al Sammaleah Island, Abu Dhabi in 2007 in order to witness the water saving realities of the EPIC System (sub- surface irrigation system) versus the more conventional top-surface irrigation system. The results spoke for themselves demonstrating a significant reduction in water consumption using the EPIC system. One of the Epic plots used typical local Bermuda grass and was compared to a plot the same size with the same turf but using traditional pop up spray sprinklers. Both plots had water meters to accurately measure water consumption. This trial was monitored over the summer of 2007. The data found in the graph below show a water savings achieved of over 78%. The time period this data was collected was August 1 st through September 9 th . Another Epic plot was constructed and planted with Sesuvium Portulacastrum. The unique aspect of this plot is that the source of irrigation water for the plot was the seawater straight from the Arabian Gulf. The Arabian Gulf is known to have a variable salt concentration of anywhere from 45,000 ppm to over 50,000 ppm-much higher than most ocean concentrations. The plot was constructed like all other Epic Systems with the exception that in addition to the normal supply line on one end of the plot a drain line back to the Gulf was also installed. The purpose of the drain line was to prevent a salt build up in the soil. After a short hardening process the Sesuvium grew very well as can be seen in the picture below. In this plot the pump was powered by a small solar panel demonstrating the ease of supplying irrigation water through the Epic System even in areas where no electricity is available. Traditional irrigation systems running on much higher water pressure would require a very large and expensive solar power delivery system. Finally two other small plots were constructed. One using condensate from the air conditioning of one of the office
description
Case study reviewing Epic installation in Al Sammaleah Island in the UAE in 2007
Transcript of Case Study Al Sammaleah Island Abu Dhabi
Al Sammaleah Island – Abu Dhabi, UAE:
Several demonstration plots were installed on Al Sammaleah Island, Abu Dhabi in 2007 in order to witness the water saving realities of the EPIC System (sub-surface irrigation system) versus the more conventional top-surface irrigation system. The results spoke for themselves demonstrating a significant reduction in water consumption using the EPIC system.
One of the Epic plots used typical local Bermuda grass and was compared to a plot the same size with the same turf but using traditional pop up spray sprinklers. Both plots had water meters to accurately measure water consumption. This trial was monitored over the summer of 2007. The data found in the graph below show a water savings achieved of over 78%. The time period this data was collected was August 1st through September 9th.
Another Epic plot was constructed and planted with Sesuvium Portulacastrum. The unique aspect of this plot is that the source of irrigation water for the plot was the seawater straight from the Arabian Gulf. The Arabian Gulf is known to have a variable salt concentration of anywhere from 45,000 ppm to over 50,000 ppm-much higher than most ocean concentrations. The plot was constructed like all other Epic Systems with the exception that in addition to the normal supply line on one end of the plot a drain line back to the Gulf was also installed. The purpose of the drain line was to prevent a salt build up in the soil. After a short hardening process the Sesuvium grew very well as can be seen in the picture below.
In this plot the pump was powered by a small solar panel demonstrating the ease of supplying irrigation water through the Epic System even in areas where no electricity is available. Traditional irrigation systems running on much higher water pressure would require a very large and expensive solar power delivery system.
Finally two other small plots were constructed. One using condensate from the air conditioning of one of the office buildings on the island and the other supplied with grey water from one of the office buildings. Due to the non-clogging nature of the Epic System this grey water was able to be introduced directly into the Epic System with no pre-filtering required. .
Sea Water plot under construction
Sea Water -‐ Sesuvium ground cover
The results in water savings speak for themselves.
Water savings of
78.91%
