Project’s context & challenges
The New School University in New York City aimed to drastically reduce potable water use and wastewater discharge at its University Center on 5th Avenue. With sustainability and LEED certification as key drivers, the university sought an innovative on-site water recycling system. The challenge: treat all blackwater and stormwater within a dense urban footprint and reuse it for non-potable applications such as laundry, toilet flushing, and cooling.
Customer benefits
Reduces potable water use by 74%
Cuts wastewater discharge by 89%
Enables water reuse for laundry, toilets, irrigation, and cooling
Supports LEED certification and sustainability goals
Compact, in-building system with minimal footprint
Solution
Natural Systems Utilities (NSU), part of Nijhuis Saur Industries, designed and operates a decentralized water reuse system at The New School’s University Center. The system treats all wastewater—including from toilets, sinks, showers, and laundry—using a membrane bioreactor followed by ozone and UV disinfection. Stormwater detained by green roofs is also reclaimed. The treated water is reused for non-potable applications, with surplus safely discharged to the city sewer.
Scope of supply
- Design and construction of in-building water reuse system
- Integration with building plumbing and green roof systems
- MBR, ozone, and UV disinfection technologies
- Commissioning, training, and long-term operations
Applied solutions
- Membrane bioreactor (MBR) for biological treatment
- Ozone and UV disinfection for high-quality reuse water
- Green roof stormwater capture and reuse
- Compact, modular design for urban integration
- Smart operations and compliance monitoring