WSU's Culinary Water Conservation Efforts
Last fiscal year (July 2010 - June 2011), WSU consumed 36,359,000 gallons of culinary water. That is a lot of water! That is why WSU is working hard to reduce campus consumption in buildings by installing low flow
toilets and urinals, and low flow faucets in lavatories.
For example, over time, you can expect to see more dual flush toilets (see below) showing up around campus. Having different flush options for solid versus liquid waste can save a lot of water. You can help WSU save water by turning off the water when it is not in use and reporting any leaks that you see to Facilities Management at 626-6331.
Curious about WSU's culinary water use history? Click here for a consumption chart.
WSU's Secondary (Irrigation) Water Conservation Efforts
Irrigation (secondary) water consumption is estimated at 60,000,000 gallons annually based on data obtained from Pine View Water Company. The following conservation efforts have been implemented to reduce WSU’s consumption of secondary water.
- Modernized campus irrigation systems are saving water, improving irrigation, and reducing pumping costs (with consequent energy savings). Virtually the entire Ogden campus has received new irrigation systems in the past five years. These new irrigation systems are computer controlled, linked to a weather station, and have reduced irrigation water requirements by several million gallons per year.
- Using the Lindquist pond as a collection basin, recycling campus storm water has reclaimed as much as 1.2 million gallons of irrigation water per week.
- Added water conserving landscape in several areas on campus, using the seven principles of xeriscaping, including native plants, drought tolerant vegetation, mulches and drip irrigation systems.
Managing Water Quality
In addition reducing the University's water consumption, WSU has a plan for managing storm water so that water quality is maintained. Click here to view WSU's Storm Water Management Plan.