A groundwater reuse and conservation project funded by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Lowry Park Zoo will save approximately 38,000 gallons of groundwater a day.
The Zoo uses 38,000 gallons of groundwater each day to fill the Zoos animal exhibition water features, such as the hippo pool and the pond at the lion exhibit. At the end of the day, the water is discharged into a retention pond on Zoo grounds and eventually flows into the Hillsborough River. This project purifies the water so it can be reused for irrigation purposes.
The first phase of the project consisted of pumping water from the park’s retention pond and removing approximately 300 yards of debris from the pond bottom.
The second phase involved installing a new centrifugal pump, piping and a pressure tank. An ultraviolet radiation unit was also installed to disinfect water before it is reused.
The project also includes educational signage and activities to inform the public about the conservation efforts.
The Lowry Park Zoo Groundwater Reuse and Conservation Project is a cooperatively funded effort between the Zoo and the Districts Alafia River, Hillsborough River, and Northwest Hillsborough basin boards.
The project cost $115,726. The Zoo will receive up to $59,850 in financial assistance from the District. The Alafia River Basin Board will contribute up to $8,582, the Hillsborough River Basin Board will contribute up to $33,525, and the Northwest Hillsborough Basin Board will contribute up to $17,743. The funding percentages are based on annual Zoo attendance from each basin. Approximately 700,000 people visit the zoo each year.