KANNAPOLIS, N.C. -- A new campus designed to be a gathering place for great minds is putting that brain power to good use. Researchers have figured out a way to save millions of gallons of water.

The North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis just opened up last fall. There are only three buildings right now but there is something very special about them.

A “grey water” recycling system in the basement reuses much of the water at the campus.

“This system is unique. One of the first in North Carolina,” said designer Tony Brandon.

The system collects water from sinks and showers and runs it through big filters.

“They work similar to sand filters that have been used on earth for countless centuries,” said Brandon.

The water is then further cleaned with UV light.

It’s not suitable for drinking, but it can be used to flush the toilets and urinals in the complex. The system will save three million gallons over water each year.

Brandon said one day similar systems will be used everywhere. That means less water used for now and less in the future.