The buildings natural ventilation and use of natural light will aid the building in surviving in the future Site Ecology Eighty-five percent of the Pajaro Valleys water use directly supports its $400 million agricultural industry However, the local aquifer is draining more quickly than it can be replenished, creating an imbalance that has resulted in saltwater intrusion into coastal wells that endangers agriculture in the region The Watsonville Water Resource Center recharges the aquifer, providing 4,000 acre- feet per year of recycled water for irrigation The use of recycled water for irrigation also reduces the ability and chance for wastewater to enter the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary The building is also an educational center served to educate the public about conserving water through exhibitions and guided tours It puts regional water issues on display to the regional community while providing a space for community interaction Water Resources Water flows through radiant tubes underneath the floors to provide heating and cooling Rainwater flows from eaves (the overhand at the lower edge of a roof), down rain chains, and then is carried to basins where it is held back and treated prior to entering the groundwater system Drought-tolerant plantings, plants that can withstand not being watered often, requiring less than 70% of typical water usage, are watered only when recycled water is available These water conservation strategies help reduce drinkable water consumption by 50% and reduce the need for energy-intensive water transport Also collects and stores rainwater for landscape irrigation The building also educates residents about water conservation Cost Implications Several green measures implemented throughout the building reduce energy costs such as energy use, initial costs, and maintenance cost savings as compared to conventional measures Use of natural ventilation systems eliminated the energy costs of operating a chiller plus the initial cost of installation The initial cost for the operable windows and fans necessary for natural ventilation and thermal comfort were balanced by eliminating the need for a building-wide mechanical cooling system and its associated costs The building also serves as an educational center so the money has also been used on education Watsonville Water Resource Center