The Agreement with UCSC to implement a water technology teaching and research facility to be called WaterLab was approved on June 25th. The facility will be located at the Water Resources Center, 500 Clearwater Lane.
The WaterLab facility will offer an extremely unique opportunity to teach students and perform research in an established professional industrial wastewater treatment environment. This partnership will bring positive local and national recognition to the City. This effort will educate hundreds of UCSC students in the understanding of existing water and wastewater treatment processes, and will facilitate the local exploration of new emerging technologies.
Watsonville High School students will also benefit from this project. During 2013/2014, Watsonville High students will be introduced to WaterLab's water treatment system as part of the UC Santa Cruz Watsonville High School Teacher Training NSF grant (SCWIBLES-Santa Cruz-Watsonville Inquiry-Based Learning in Environmental Sciences). These students will be exposed to a variety of career choices: Engineering, Administration, Operations, Maintenance, Laboratory Chemists, Source Control, Collections, Electricians, Computer Programmers, and Potable Water Treatment and Distribution.
The City’s Wastewater and Water Division staff will also be in a unique position to interact with emerging young local talent, which could result in useful insights and opportunities with regard to the recruitment required to fill future vacancies within all discipline levels of these Divisions.
By having the WaterLab facility at the Water Resources Center, capital construction costs can be minimized due to the close proximity of the Water Resources Center laboratory, wastewater and recycled water treatment facilities, and classroom accommodations. Having all the necessary buildings and infrastructure for WaterLab made the implementation of this agreement possible.
The lease agreement includes an initial one-time payment of $18,000 that covers the capital cost of the building that will be used to house the program. In addition, all ongoing operational, research, and teaching costs associated with the WaterLab would be the financial responsibility of the UCSC WaterLab program. This includes the cost of electricity, recycled water, janitorial services, and other miscellaneous expenses.
There will be very little City staff time required for this program, beyond occasional tours of the City’s water quality laboratory and water treatment facilities. There will be no additional costs to the City for staffing or operation of the program. The initial term of the lease is proposed to be five years, which can be terminated by either party with written 180 day notice.
There are no costs to the City associated with this program. UCSC will pay the City a one-time fee of $18,000 as base rent for the use of the premises. UCSC will also pay for any ongoing operational and maintenance costs associated with running their program.
If you’re interested in taking a tour of the Water Resources Center, call 768-3170. It’s a great tour!
